The construction stage of building a new home can be difficult to navigate. Fortunately, you can minimize any problems by clearly understanding the role of your builder and clearly communicating your expectations to your builder. Your builder may perform the following tasks on your home construction project:

1. Scheduling subcontractors:
Rather than personally constructing new homes, many builders rely primarily on the expertise of independent subcontractors. Subcontractors specialize in specific components of home building (e.g., framing or drywall). The builder dovetails the scheduling for each subcontractor with the scheduling for the other subcontractors.

2. Coordinating subcontractors and suppliers:
Contrary to popular belief, new homes are not built by a series of subcontractors completing their tasks sequentially. In fact, subcontractors overlap one another at all stages of construction and often must work together to accomplish their tasks. The builder facilitates cooperation among the subcontractors.

3. Supervising the job site:
The builder or a superintendent hired by the builder will supervise the subcontractors and make sure their work is completed correctly and on time. The builder mediates any disputes and resolves the inevitable problems and conflicts among the subcontractors.

4. Administration:
A mountain of paperwork is built along with every new home. The builder’s administrative responsibilities include tracking costs, preparing bank draw slips, assembling warranty records, maintaining files and arranging for building inspections.

5. Meetings with the buyer:
The builder keeps the buyer informed about progress on the construction site. These formal or informal meetings may take place by telephone, at the job site, in the builder’s office or at a supplier’s place of business. The builder also guides the buyer through the process and timeline for making decisions about allowance items (e.g., fixtures and appliances) for the home. Indecisiveness or procrastination by the buyer can delay the completion of the home because the builder needs an adequate amount of time to purchase the items the buyer selects.

Source: National Association of Home Builders