I have recently run into a situation that is a plague in the building industry.  Everyone who wants to build an addition, garage or shell home want a good deal.  Homeowners want building contractors to provide the best work at the best price.  What if the homeowner could play general contractor? Hire individual subcontractors THEMSELVES, run the field and save thousands..........seems great, but the risk involved seems forgotten.  NEVER, EVER let a "contractor" talk you into getting a building permit in your (the Homeowner's) name. 

Offers by these "building contractors" of discounts off of the project cost are enticing for any homeowner who wants to build a garage, addition or new home.  Money is unfortunately the largest driving force in decision making for anything and everything.  That being said, how often do you meet someone who asks you to fill out some paperwork in exchange for $2500.00?  NEVER. 

1.   Building permits for accessory buildings average $100.00 and for homes they are in the low thousands - this varies from house plan to house plan.

2.   Whoever's name is on the permit is who is responsible for any and every action or lack thereof regarding the property AND the project.

3.   For instance, the permit holder is responsible to the County or City they live in as well as the State.  All inspections and code requirements are the homeowner's responsibility.  So, if the framing sub-contractor hired doesn't frame the building correctly, it is the homeowner who has to deal with the principality.  How many homeowners know how to frame a building?? 

4.   The permit holder is also responsible for any and all damages incurred by everyone that is on their property during the project.  That means that if a worker cuts his hand off by mistake, the hospital, unemployment benefits, etc. are the responsibility of the homeowner, because the homeowner holds the permit. 

5.   If the contractor you hire does NOT have a Contractor's license, his only legal consequence for his actions or lack thereof is the court system.  You have to find him to get him to court.  And, he would have to have assets worth pursuing IN COURT.

6.  A dead-giveaway that something sticks is when the contractor carries insurance, has a business license but no contractor's license.  SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG.  Either he cannot pass the examine, does not have the required assets to be financially stable, or has had a license suspended or revoked.  Why would a homeowner want to hire someone who is unstable, inexperienced or trying to circumvent responsibility?

DO NOT, FOR ANY REASON, NO MATTER HOW ENTICING THE OFFER MAY SEEM, PULL YOUR OWN BUILDING PERMIT.  If the person or company you want to hire asks you to do that, or offers to let you, BEWARE.  No legitimate contractor wants anyone other than themselves to hold the permits for a myriad of reasons.  The biggest reason is legal control.

CALL H.W. ENTERPRISES, INC. with any questions you may have.  We have been in business for over 60 years.  We are a VA CLASS A contractor, the highest license achievable.  No one knows garages, additions and shell homes as well as us.  Don't exchange quality, which only comes from experience, for pennies. CALL 757-595-4562/757-696-1927.

"There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey.  It's unwise to pay too little.  When you pay too much, you may lose a little money - that is all.  When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing what you bought it to do.  The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done.  If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run.  And, if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."

John Ruskin

February 8, 1819 - January 20,1900

Here is something to be considered when choosing a building contractor for a garage, shell home or addition:  "There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's prey.  It's unwise to pay too little.  When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that is all.  When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.  The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done.  If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run.  And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."  - John Ruskin  February 8, 1819 - January 20, 1900.

CALL HW ENTERPRISES, INC. for your next project.  We are more than competitive and have 60 years experience in building residential garages, additions and shell homes. 

The Daily Press Choice Award has been won by us as Best Builder since 2010.  Why would you go anywhere else?  Call 757-595-4562 and you will have the knowledge and expertise money CANNOT buy.