Starting in the new year, our FAQ will be merged with our Blog to make search topics more searchable and to make our website more user friendly.

Do you have a building or remodeling question you would like us to answer? E-mail us and we will answer it in an upcoming newsletter.

Since 1918, Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) has been the community safety net for families who have nowhere else to turn when they can't meet their basic needs. In Boulder and Broomfield Counties, they provide support to families, people with disabilities, and seniors by providing assistance with:  

How you can resolve to help in 2011:

• Will Hentschel, Oz Architects  
• Carol Radcliffe
• Jerry Gloss, KGA Studio Architects
• Jeannie Hamilton
• Jim Mohan
• Mark Chase-Jacobsen
• Pam Simms

Com�mu�ni�ca�tion-The exchange of thoughts, messages, or the like, as by speech, signals, or writing.  (From The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language).

Communication is important.  During construction, poor communication can be very expensive.  One way or another, it is at the root of most construction problems ("Oh-that's the wall you wanted removed!").  So, if you're contemplating a construction project of your own, here are a few ideas to insure that you and your contractor communicate effectively:

Don't choose a contractor that you can't communicate with. Look for contractors invested in good communication-cell phones, e-mail, fax machines, receptionists, etc.  These basic tools indicate a commitment to good communication.

Read the contract.  Don't sign any legal documents you don't understand.  If you're not good with contracts, have your attorney review it for you.

Study the blueprints, and have any questions explained to your complete satisfaction.  Many people find blueprints difficult to read, and intimidating.  You need to understand them, because they describe in detail what you are buying.  Have scale models built if necessary to convey the design clearly.

Arrange a pre-construction conference to review the project schedule, budget, project details, and the like.  Explain what your house rules are regarding telephone, toilets, security, pets, etc...

To read the rest of this blog with additional helpful construction communication tips from Parrish Construction's President, Larry Parrish, CR, CGR, GACP, CAPS, click here.