So, your project is finally at the stage where the rubber meets the road—it’s time to build! The big question now is: who’s going to bring your dream home to life, and how? Will you take the reins as an owner-builder, or hire a licensed builder to manage the process?
A common misconception is that a builder is the person swinging a hammer and constructing your home from the ground up. While that may be true on smaller projects, most builders are licensed professionals who oversee the entire construction process. They coordinate the tradespeople, solve problems before they arise, and act as the key point of contact between you, the Architect, the certifier, and the trades. This role demands not only experience but also excellent organization and communication skills to keep everything running smoothly.
On the other hand, an owner-builder is typically the client who steps into the shoes of the builder. While you may not need to get your hands dirty, you’re responsible for managing the project from start to finish. This means overseeing the trades and stepping in to solve issues as they come up, ordering materials, ensuring that inspections are completed and approving work. If you have the time, knowledge, and patience to stay on top of the details, this could be a rewarding option—but it’s definitely not something to take on lightly.
Two common contracts are Cost-plus and fixed price. With a Cost-plus contract, you pay for materials and labour, plus a fixed profit margin for the builder. A fixed-price contract sets the total price for a defined scope of work, offering more financial certainty for you, however, the builder takes on more risk, as they’re locked into that price—even if material and labour costs rise. While a fixed-price contract offers protection, it may not be the perfect fit depending on your relationship with your builder. Building companies have a higher risk of insolvency than most other industries. A builder going bankrupt mid-project is a worst-case scenario. You’d need to hire a new contractor, likely at a higher cost, which could blow your budget. This is why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best.
Whether you choose to build your home yourself or hire a professional, understanding the process is key to success. The more you know, the smoother the journey may be.
As published in Mid North Coast Arts Guide March 2025