| REAL ESTATE AGENT
Your choice in real estate agencies to work with is crucial to
the success of your new home experience. You will need an agent
who specializes in new home areas and knows the ropes when it
comes to building your new home. Your agent will show you different
areas that suit your needs, along with model homes and building
plans for your perfect home. Our agents work closely with area
builders and developers and have the expertise to assist you
every step of the way.
BUILDER OR GENERAL CONTRACTOR
The general
contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, coordinates
and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and arranges for
inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in all construction-related
matters.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/FOREMAN
The general contractor's right-hand man. A construction manager can be on site
when the general contractor is not.
SUBCONTRACTOR
A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade within the
project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical home building project,
subcontractors generally include: an excavation contractor who digs foundations
and grades the site; a masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block,
brickwork and paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior
partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
(HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical contractor; drywall
installers; insulation contractors; finish carpenters who generally handle
wood flooring, trim work, and cabinet installation; and a painting contractor.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase
of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In the
greater Wichita area home construction meets standards contained
in the Uniform Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions
of the Uniform Fire & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical
codes are enforced. Typically, permits are issued and inspections
are made at key stages of construction by County and City building
code enforcement departments.
LENDER
The financial institution that provides construction loan financing
during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer
after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred
to in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred
to as "end
loans" which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and others make both the "end loan" and "construction loan financing" which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction.
TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public records
to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new home
is "free
and clear of any liens and encumbrances". This assures the issuance of a clear or "merchantable" title in favor of the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the
property.
SURVEYOR
A professional with the training and equipment to establish or
verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the
topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site
plan. He or she may also be employed to stake out the building
site, setting reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing
grades for roads or driveways and marking the locations for a
septic system and water well, if necessary.
ARCHITECT
Building design professional who has completed all required university
training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; initials
A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional organization,
but not licensed status.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and licensing
not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual's name indicate
membership in a professional association, for which training
and passing tests are required.
KITCHEN/BATH DESIGNER
Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D.
indicate certification by a professional association, for which
training and passing tests are required. License is not required
for practice.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include
site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing
plant material. License required for practice in Kansas.
*Information from Wichita Area Builders Association
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