11-08-2007, 10:45 AM
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yes, but both of you have relationships with them. And you know how it works.
I didnt in the beginning having only dealt 15 years ago for a short period with Kona.
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I've talked to a few people who work with them regularly who agree with my experience. It is not a fun place to go if you're a novice at the process.
I have seen too many novices go in and through one hellicious fit when they don't get their way / the answer they wanted. I have seen novices that are polite and use their manners, and Bldg helps them.
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My feeling about Hilo is that you don't get warm and fuzzy unless you've been around for a long time and they know you. Cat, you are too much of a regular and old-timer to see how they act to new people.
Could be but with a whole new crew in the front, I have to occassional remember that I must use my manners even though I want to reach across the counter and... it helps staying very polite and taking candy in occassionally or flowers. No different than a present for the recptionist at your doctors office at Christmas.
I do also sit there with every one else with my # in my hand so I watch them for an hour or two 2-4 times a week.
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While I try NEVER to say "in California it is better" because what difference does it make -- it's easier there.
????? It didnt seem that way in No Cal. We looked at a property in Sebastopol and it was a nightmare. I was lost - I got someone who knew their ropes. Also used "I am from Hawaii" a lot and got a little more help. Ten months for a permit it took!
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Cat you provide a Project Management service, for fee, to help people get through.
I do. Mainly because I was giving out info for free and someone told me they thought my services were valuable to them. I started out just running plans and doing SMA assessment applications.
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Well, when my neighbors needed to rebuild in California and were confused and overwhelmed, the County assigned them a Project Manager from their supervisory staff-- absolutely free.
Nothings free honey. They have huge fees associated with the Bldg permits that pay the Project Managers salary.
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Walked them through every phase ... held their hand. Can you imagine that happening here?
Sure, if the properties owners agree to substanial increases of 100x the cost of building permits here currently. California has a mentor for just about everything.
I guess my suggestion is to give them a second chance. Also it is like the builder bandwagon, it is "fun" to rag on builders - all are crooks, etc - same with building div - all are difficult, but they aren't.
I have turned down a few clients because I saw them in building throwing temper tantrums, and then they came to me.
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"
Edited by - kapohocat on 11/08/2007 14:47:34