Your questions are good ones and important. When it comes to bidding and construction contracts I recomment the standard documents for residential construction from The American Institute of Architects. They are developed, reviewed and revised annually using a committee consisting of all construction disciplines. You can obtain these from your local AIA office. You should be aware that there are several discrete processes involved: --Schematic design studies --Design development --Bidding documents --Construction documents --Close out documents Each of these represents a discrete phase for the design, bidding, construction and occupancy of a custom designed and built house. The final advice I would offer is that everyone needs to have their bidding and construction documents (drawings and specifications) as complete as possible so that there are as minimal the number of surprises and change orders/cost additions for the construction as possible. Avoid having a wide range of allowances in your construction contract, if you want to control costs! Good luck on your project.

Hi - new forum member here. I participate in a few GW forums and came across this one when I did a search for the Mary Jane Shoe Template. I came across this one and hope it helps for whomever is looking for it. I am brand new to card making and paper crafts and just want to say I look forward to seeing what everyone is doing and posting my own things. Sal Here is a link that might be useful: MARY JANE SHOE TEMPLATE

Thanks lazygardens. The site detected where I was and I couldn't use it. I'm near Peterborough in Ontario, Canada. I've done a quick page myself since I couldn't find a template. I'll work on improving it over the next few days but wanted to put the sign up for Sunday traffic. Here is a link that might be useful: House for sale

Here is what I obtained from our village website. They only provided "tips". I have included my comments to some items. More detail would have been helpful: Tips on Home Remodeling Getting Started The Village of xxxx allows homeowners to act as contractor for their own home remodeling projects. It must be noted, however, that a permit is required for all projects in which an addition or alteration will be done at the property. (comments: I can understand additions, difficult to define "alteration" e.g. cabinets replacement, carpet replacement with hardwood flooring, or replacing existing vanity and tub, or replacing existing fluorescent light with regular light.. etcare these "alteration"? or alteration of the structure of the home?.. this is a grey area dont understand this.. this can be interpreted different ways unless there is a definite definition for this) Additionally, projects that require the alteration of the roofline of the existing structure must have drawings sealed by a (STATE) licensed architect or structural engineer. Lastly, check the covenants for your subdivision before proceeding with any work; individual subdivision covenants may have special requirements and restrictions. Obtaining a Permit Although many people consider obtaining a permit to be a burden, it does have a critical role in any construction project. Having a permit entitles each homeowner: · Provides inspectors to answer questions. · Offers some security from contractor fraud. (some security? What does this mean? With permit contractor fraud did happen. With "zero" security from the village) · Allows inspectors an opportunity to verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner.(does this mean that the inspectors verify the quality of work and also the behavior of the contractors? Define what does it mean by "verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner" again.. this can be interpreted differently by inspectors according to their likeness unless there is a definite definition) Tips on Hiring a Contractor · Insist on a written contract. Obtain a written contract and make sure you understand the terms. Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. Include terms of a payment plan and agree as to who will handle additional unforeseen expenses. · Make secure payments. It is not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts. Make certain, however, that payments do not get ahead of work that has been completed. Never pay the full cost of the job up front. If a contractor insists on full payment up front, look for a different person. · Conduct interviews with potential contractors. Remember the contractor is working for you. Be certain that you are comfortable working with this person. Additionally, talk with friends and neighbors: people who have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge. · Check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to assess a potential contractors work history. · Verify the handling of inspections. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit and inspection process. If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for copies of the results and keep them with the permit. · Make sure the contractor has insurance. Without insurance you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home. The Village of XX does have an ordinance requiring all contractors working within the village to be licensed and bonded. · Ask for at least 3 references. Make sure that the sources had work done that was similar to your proposed project. · Get at least 3 bids. Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair. · Establish a reasonable timeframe. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks; doing so might affect the quality of work. Revised