Beware - Trying to save some money can end up costing you more. If you are thinking about building or remodeling and you want to do some of it, what can happen? Do you have a friend or family that specializes in a trade whom you want to do some work for you in the midst of other construction work?

Take this scenario: If you are doing a major build or remodel and you have someone that can do the plumbing, here are a few things to consider. New construction might have plumbing in the slab that needs to be coordinated with other trades, who will schedule this? Who will warranty what part of the work? Later in the project, additional plumbing might need to occur, and even later on final plumbing will need to be completed. Permits might need to be scheduled around this to continue all other phases. Will you know when to schedule this? Will your plumber be able to drop everything and work in the necessary work to be done? What happens if something goes wrong who do you call? Yes, it can be done, but it must carefully be planned and everyone must know what the schedule is, who is responsible, and where the liabilities fall. You can even have your plumber count as one of the builder subs and let them talk and work together. Your general contractor might want to make sure your plumber is licensed. If they are not licensed, you might really be getting a bad deal. Be sure and set a meeting with all parties to discuss, organize, and work through the project details before you get started.

Another scenario: You might have a painter in the family that is not going to interfere with the main project. What happens if this painter damages the new wooden floors? You will have to pay your general contractor or floor person to correct problem. This will cost you additional dollars. If your project was under a general contractor, they are responsible for all activity and issues that occur. So that free or less expensive painter could cost you more in the long run.

Final scenario: You hire a general contractor that will do their work and manage your cousin the electrician. Your contractor has given you a time line of 3 weeks to do project, including your cousin completing the electrical work. Your cousin does not do his part in week 1 causing a 3 day delay. All subs will have to be rescheduled for a later time. This could delay the 3 week completion to possibly a 5 week completion date. And your general contractor might bill you an additional amount for delay. Again, work out all details up front.

The most critical thing to always consider is Communication in the beginning of a project. Know who the players are and what the responsibilities of each party truly are. If you are unsure on how to handle a project, contact your local builder or general contractor.

Always look at the Texas Residential Commission Construction site for registered builders (http://www.trcc.state.tx.us or call 877-651-TRCC). For all your real estate and building needs or questions, call Debbie at 713-818-6658 or 830-833-4249 ,email at dhomeier@moment.net .