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17 – Owner-Builder Beware Why Acting As Your Own Contractor Can Lead to Disaster

In this episode of the Julie Laughton Living Podcast, we're discussing the dangers of being an Owner/Builder and the pitfalls of not hiring a professional, licensed contractor from the start.

Building your own home can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of the risks involved. If you're not a licensed contractor, you could make costly mistakes that could jeopardize the safety of your home and the people who live in it.

Here are some of the dangers of being an owner builder:

You may not have the knowledge or experience to do the work correctly. Even if you're a handyman, there are many aspects of home construction that require specialized knowledge and skills. If you make a mistake, it could lead to serious problems down the road.

You may not be able to get financing. Many lenders are hesitant to give loans to owner builders because of the risks involved.

You may not be able to get permits. In many cases, you'll need to obtain permits from your local government before you can start construction. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it's something that you'll need to do yourself if you're an owner builder.

You may be held liable for injuries. If someone is injured on your construction site, you could be held liable. This is true even if you're not the one who caused the injury.

You may not be able to get insurance. Many insurance companies will not cover owner-built homes. This means that you'll be responsible for any damage that occurs to your home, even if it's not your fault.

If you're considering building your own home, it's important to weigh the risks and rewards carefully. If you're not confident in your ability to do the work yourself, it's best to hire a professional licensed contractor.

In addition to the dangers mentioned above, there are other things to consider when deciding whether to be an owner builder. For example, you'll need to have a lot of time and patience, as building a home can be a long and challenging process. You'll also need to be prepared to deal with unexpected problems and delays.

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ABOUT JULIE LAUGHTON: Julie’s passion is to build custom dream homes with timeless designs that match every client’s style and needs. She has been in the Design Build business for over thirty years. As a designer and general contractor, she oversees and executes all facets of the blueprints and build from conception to completion while providing a collaborative and stress-free process for each client. Julie has completed over 1,000 remodels and custom homes along the affluent coastal communities of Orange and LA County, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach as well as significant projects in Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Pasadena.

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