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Modern consumers tend to do a lot of research
before making any major purchase, and a new home is the most significant
purchase most people will make in their lifetimes.
“The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis
has introduced a standards manual that will help shortcut that research
process, answering many customer questions about what to expect from
their new home or remodeling experience,” said Steve Lains, CEO of the
association. The Hancock County Builders Council is just one of six
councils associated with BAGI.
Beginning on January 1, 2000, BAGI set in place
extensive required standards for all builder and remodeler members.
These standards are contained in a book called the Quality Assurance
Builder Standards, written specifically for Indianapolis-area
consumers by BAGI representatives of the local residential
building/remodeling industry. The book explains in easy-to-understand
terms how acceptable construction is measured. For example, a reader can
find out whether cracks in a wall are normal settling, or defective
workmanship. Thanks to the Standards, readers can easily distinguish
between acceptable construction results and flaws that the contractor
should repair without charge.
“The key to the significance of the Standards is
that it quantifies what is acceptable and what isn’t, along with
defining who is responsible for taking action, if needed,” Lains said.
To cite an example – a homebuyer finds a crack in
his garage floor. In section 3.11, the Standards state “Minor cracks
in garage floors are normal. Cracks exceeding ¼” in width or 3/16”
in vertical displacement shall be repaired by the builder.” The manual
goes on to explain the appropriate way for the builder to repair those
cracks, so the homeowner knows what to expect.
Another example is section 17.11, which addresses
the possibility of birds or animals invading exhaust vents. The
Standards state that this scenario happens on occasion, and is beyond
the builder’s control. This is a typical home maintenance item, and is
the responsibility of the homeowner.
All told, the Quality Assurance Builder
Standards includes 131 pages of explanation and covers 22 categories
of work involved in building or remodeling a home. The sections of the
manual include broad topics such as foundations and exterior concrete,
and specific items such as mechanical systems, electrical, heating and
cooling, drywall and painting.
Consumers can obtain a copy of the Standards
through any Hancock County builder or remodeler. The books are intended to be a
communications tool between the builders/remodelers and their customers.
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