Construction Contracts: What to Know About Estimates vs. Bids

Embarking on an alterations or additions project is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and decision-making. One of the most crucial decisions homeowners face is how to structure the contract with their contractor. Understanding the nuances between different contract types, particularly fixed-price contracts (bids) and time and materials (T&M) contracts, is essential for managing costs effectively and ensuring the project’s success. In this guide we’ll delve into the key aspects of each contract type, providing valuable insights and considerations for homeowners and contractors alike.

What are Aerogel Glass Blocks?

In the ever-evolving world of architecture and construction, new materials continually emerge, pushing the boundaries of design and performance. One such innovation is the aerogel glass block, a remarkable material that combines the transparency of glass with the extraordinary insulating properties of aerogels. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of aerogel glass blocks, exploring how they are made, their unique physical characteristics, and the advantages they offer as a building material.

What is Construction Integrated Project Delivery (CIPD)

Construction Integrated Project Delivery (CIPD) is a collaborative approach to project delivery that seeks to optimize project outcomes through the integration of all stakeholders, including the owner, architect, engineer, contractor, and subcontractors. It is a relatively new approach to project delivery, with origins dating back to the late 1990s.

The Role of Architects in Construction Projects

Architects are in charge of design and project planning, and they are also responsible for the visual appearance of buildings and structures. The term “architect” refers only to individuals who are registered with a local governing body. To become licensed, architects must meet specific professional training requirements and pass board exams. Architectural services can be obtained from unlicensed persons, but they cannot call themselves architects and generally, with the exception of single-family residences, they cannot sign construction documents.

Basic Steps For Creating An ADU

An ADU is an additional living unit with kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping facilities in addition to those of a main residence. It may be physically attached or detached from the primary residence. Also known variously as “granny units”, “second units”, or “carriage houses”, ADU’s provide opportunity to use what may be surplus space on a residential lot to house in-laws or relatives, or to provide supplementary income to make one’s mortgage more affordable. This article outlines a general process for creating an ADU. Whether or not you will need all of the steps outlined depends on the scope of your project and the city or county area you live in. Also, please note that while the steps are presented in an order that may be useful to you, you may need to adjust the order of the steps to make it fit your particular situation.

Timing Your Construction Project

As with many things in life, the timing of your construction project can be critical to its success. Construction tends to be a seasonally-driven industry, with the prevailing goal being to avoid breaking ground during the winter rainy season. This is not a hard-and-fast rule of course – there are notable exceptions which we will discuss. To best understand the ins-and-outs of project scheduling, this article outlines the design process, from selecting your design team, to how permit processing can impact your project schedule, to ball-parking how long it takes to build a construction project.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Building Your Custom Home

You know you want to build your dream house, but don’t know how to begin? It can seem like a daunting task to build a custom home. And admittedly, it is complicated. This 3-part checklist is aimed at getting you on the right track and providing an overview of the process.

Your Home Remodel: Working With Contractors

A room addition just might be the solution to your space needs.  Less than moving away, more than refurbishing existing space, room additions suit the needs of many homeowners, both in terms of space and costs. Here is some sound advice on building a room addition.  

Getting a Building Permit: Don’t Renovate Without One!

Do you need a building permit?
Spoiler: You probably do, unless you’re only doing cosmetic interior upgrades, like painting or updating your kitchen faucet. Any time you are adding square footage, making structural modifications, or significantly altering other building components, you’ll need to obtain a permit.

7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

Homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. And with good reason: Kitchens are the hub of home life and a source of pride. A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. To help ensure you get a good return on your kitchen remodel, follow these seven tips.