A Word About Quality By Greg Jordan    If quality is what you expect when you build or remodel your home, then the end product will be only as good as your general contractor and their sub-contractors. Think of it as a symphony, your general contractor is the conductor and the sub-contractors are the orchestra . And if both your conductor and your orchestra are excellent then the symphony will be fantastic.    Building a new home or remodeling your present home requires multiple trades-people. It is the responsibility of the general contractor to assemble a team of quality, reliable sub-contractors. Without these competent players, the project could have multiple delays with the end result less than expected. It is important to find a general contractor who uses legal sub-contractors. There are many unscrupulous general contractors who hire workers that do not have the legal right to be working in this country, who are paid sub-standard wages or sometimes not paid at all. A quality home sometimes requires paying a fraction more. I have seen situations where a general contractor or sub-contractor submit a bid with a very low number, only to inform the client halfway through the job, that it will be impossible to finish the project without additional money.    In the worst case, you may have to terminate your general contractor. This makes you liable for unpaid sub-contractors who have the legal right to file liens against your property. Terminating the general contractor can make completion of the project considerably more difficult. Finding a new general contractor to finish a half completed project can be a nightmare. Most general contractors will not take on a half finished project because of the multiple problems that will more than likely exist as a result of poor workmanship. All of these things could result in significant financial losses for the owner.    When you decide to build or remodel a home, take your time choosing a builder. Check references and verify that they are insured. Interview as many builders as necessary, making sure that you develop a good rapport with whoever you choose. You will be spending considerable time with that individual and they will be instrumental in whether your home is a mediocre symphony or symphonie fantastica. Greg Jordan is the owner of Omountain Homes and has been building & remodeling homes since 1986. He does projects throughout central Texas. Omountain Homes can be reached by calling 557-4790 or you can e-mail them Close this window