Review
In this extremely useful book, Ricchi, a Florida building contractor, introduces homeowners to construction contracting in understandable language. She discusses how to avoid common pitfalls and survive the entire process. The purpose here is not to defame contractors but to make readers knowledgeable customers. Planning, pricing, and many other important factors are neatly explained. This specialized book is highly recommended.' - Library Journal, June 2010
A well-written, easy-to-understand book that every home owner should read before construction starts! --Rick Watson, Building a Safer Florida, Inc. (BASF)
An informative and important book that every property owner should read before taking on a construction project. --Douglas Harvey, Executive Director, Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF)
In construction, tools are essential. This book is a beneficial tool for both the homeowner and the contractor. It is a good guide to help you have a successful home-building, renovation, and repair experience. --Greg Crow, former President and Present Chair, National Association of State Contractor Licensing (NASCLA) publications
It's a blitzkrieg education in how to work with contractors, with an emphasis on what many homeowners may consider the 'boring' side of the process: contracts, insurance, permits, process, and so on. - Lee Walender, About. com
A well-written, easy-to-understand book that every home owner should read before construction starts! --Rick Watson, Building a Safer Florida, Inc. (BASF)
An informative and important book that every property owner should read before taking on a construction project. --Douglas Harvey, Executive Director, Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF)
In construction, tools are essential. This book is a beneficial tool for both the homeowner and the contractor. It is a good guide to help you have a successful home-building, renovation, and repair experience. --Greg Crow, former President and Present Chair, National Association of State Contractor Licensing (NASCLA) publications
It's a blitzkrieg education in how to work with contractors, with an emphasis on what many homeowners may consider the 'boring' side of the process: contracts, insurance, permits, process, and so on. - Lee Walender, About. com
Product Description
Do you want to build a new house or contract for a major repair, renovation or addition? Here's the blueprint that will help ensure that your project is done correctly, on time, and on budget.
Avoiding the Con in Construction is a comprehensive guide that covers the bases of construction contracting in terms that you can understand. You'll learn how to:
*Develop a concise and inclusive Scope of Work that details what, exactly, the contractor will do
*Research the contractor's license and insurance, as well as his or her construction history and personal background
*Recognize proposals and contracts that are one-sided or unfair
In addition, this book explains the permitting and inspection process, and how it benefits you. Pitfalls such as liens, jobsite injuries, and other costly events are explained, as are the methods to avoid them.
Whether you are planning a small repair, remodel, or addition, or construction of a new home, the same contracting procedures and protective guidelines generally apply. With Avoiding the Con in Construction in hand, you can make informed contracting decisions.
Avoiding the Con in Construction is a comprehensive guide that covers the bases of construction contracting in terms that you can understand. You'll learn how to:
*Develop a concise and inclusive Scope of Work that details what, exactly, the contractor will do
*Research the contractor's license and insurance, as well as his or her construction history and personal background
*Recognize proposals and contracts that are one-sided or unfair
In addition, this book explains the permitting and inspection process, and how it benefits you. Pitfalls such as liens, jobsite injuries, and other costly events are explained, as are the methods to avoid them.
Whether you are planning a small repair, remodel, or addition, or construction of a new home, the same contracting procedures and protective guidelines generally apply. With Avoiding the Con in Construction in hand, you can make informed contracting decisions.


