Let’s face it, choosing a contractor can be a stressful situation…especially if you don’t know them, often you have to go with your gut and sometimes price. But, either way you have to choose.

At CWS Construction we specialize in large residential and commercial property construction and consulting for property owners in Marin County. We are based out of Novato in Marin and have many projects in the greater San Francisco area.

The economy has been tough for many but for others it is business as usual and either way some properties need help. We find that most property owners don’t know the design, permit or utility requirements needed to perform construction project.

Most things seem to cost more than everyone thinks and everything takes more time than everyone expected. Pre planning and then planning is one of the most important things you can do.

Have you considered building on your own? If you have the experience and know someone who can help you, you can save money, but for most you are better off getting 3 prices and picking the best contractor based on experience, price and sometimes most important attitude. You will be dealing with this person and company for a long time so you better like get along….

See our report below on some common mistakes the owner builder makes and decide for yourself which route you want to go…of course of you have any questions call or email me to discuss.

Thank you,

Charlie Slack

CWS Construction offers Consulting, Project Management and General Contracting services for property owners who need help with their projects. With over 2 decades of building in the Bay Area we are confident we can help you with your Project…no matter size or complexity. We have aligned ourselves with some of the best resources in the area and build everyday.

To set up a consultation to discuss your needs call us at 4155995585 or email us at cwsconstruction@comcast.net

The 10 biggest mistakes the owner remodeler can make:

1- Thinking you will be saving money – it is true you can save money by remodeling your self as an owner remodel – but there are many factors to consider – the main factor is wether or not you are experienced enough to tackle the project – and controlling costly errors
2- Not having enough knowledge and experience to handle the day to day effort of completing a construction project

3- Subcontractor screening – often the owner remodeler does not know who they are hiring because they are not familiar with the sub contractors – getting references and multiple bids can help alleviate this issue

4- Under estimating the amount of time required to coordinate and supervise a construction project of any level can be a challenge – even for experienced tradesman – under estimating one activity on a project can be a large impact on the bottom line
5- The change order process – subs can take advantage of unsuspecting owners whoa re not familiar with the process – all change orders should be looked at carefully and back up provided by the sub when a change occurs -
6- Keeping track of the schedule – the construction schedule on any size project is vital – creating a realistic schedule and updating it and knowing how to make up time are essential
7- Dealing with inspectors – most of the time your subs should be performing there own inspections – but inevitably the home owner is put in the position to ‘can you just do this for me’ the answer should be ‘no’ – when this happens the inspectors may or may not get the answers they want putting you in an awkward position
8- Underestimating the total job costs – most things take and cost more than most people think – a good contingency will help but may not be enough when the walls are opened up and the roof comes off – proper planning and estimating helps this matter – but caution should be used at all times. No matter how prepared you are – construction if full of the un expected – be as prepared as you can be –
9- Not hiring licensed professionals to perform the work – try not to be seduced into hiring – the friend of a friend who is unlicensed, uninsured, unsafe and unwarrantied – some of these guys will work out – but the one who doesn’t makes up for the ones who do.
10- Not keeping up with the paperwork involved. When it comes to the billing – it is critical that all documentation, billing, releases etc… are in place – not a step you can afford to miss.

Please feel free to e-mail questions at cwsconstruction@comcast.net or call 4155995585

CWS Construction and Consulting —————–License # 83115

CWS Construction, Inc

(415) 599-5585

Novato Construction

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Barkley Builders, Inc.

629 Olive Ave

Novato CA. 94945

(415) 893-9098

Licence No: 651809 B

http://www.barkleybuilders.com

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