As a custom builder, you can’t always control what products go into the houses you build. Some clients want what they want no matter what you recommend. To protect yourself in these instances, I suggest adding wording to the warranty section of your contract that minimizes your responsibility for things brought into the project by others: “The warranties for all electrical, electronic, mechanical, and manufactured elements, assemblies, and components of the home are provided by the manufacturer, not the general contractor.” This disclaimer will add another layer of protection for the builder and also could be the basis for a discussion with a home buyer about the use history and reliability of products, materials, and finishes selected for their new home. If there is anything that new builders can learn from older builders, it’s that history is the best evidence of what works and what does not in the custom home building business.
Advancing technology is fine. Trying and experimenting with new products and applications is inevitable. That’s how the industry evolves. There have been many new products, methods, uses, and applications incorporated into the construction business in recent history. I just think it is prudent to evaluate anything new with a degree of skepticism. Put your toe in and test the water first, before jumping in. You can get in over your head—fast.
Dennis A. Dixon is an author, contractor, and speaker with 21 years of experience in the building industry. You can e-mail him at dixven@aol.com.
