My recent ??? on the building forum

[John S. Rabi]

quote:

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Originally posted by StillHope
You highly recommended the financial broker from Island Home Capital.
Later you told me that he "butchered the loan for your other client" and posted the whole thread about Island Home Capital being a "joke" of a company.

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As you might recall, I indicated it in several of my postings that real estate brokers are not involved with the loan process. All I ever knew was that they got the loans for my clients and I have not learned of their unethical ways of doing business, including loan fraud, for about six months! Needless to say, I stopped recommending them ever since!
(I do blame the affected clients for this too, they didn't say anything nor they ever complained to me during the loan process.)

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
808.327.3185
johnrabi@johnrabi.com
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[john the architect]

Someone just asked me why, for when they build in Puna, I thought it was advisable for them to hire an architect. Here is a perfect example. An architect describes the work to be done and verifies that the builder is doing it. The architect steps in to arbitrated disputes between the builder (who has experience) and the homeowner (often a first-timer). Historically, there were architects first (the greek work for builder is 'tekton') while contractors are a modern invention primarily used to deal with requirements for insurance. I value the craft of building and the patience of its tradesmen and supervisors, but sometimes it works better to get back to the root of things. A contractor can certainly make suggestions, and a wise architect will listen to and vet them, but it is a conflict of interest for a contractor (or the homeowner) to determine the scope of work on the fly and using "assumptions".

[EightFingers]

John, we looked into having a "project manager" oversee our construction. What's the difference between an "architect" and a "project manager"? I sort of know what it is on the mainland, but I know Hawaii's probably going to be a little different.

Roughly (as a percentage of total home cost) what does an architect charge?

[StillHope]

Eighgtfingers,the architect charge for my plans (with the the existing copy to slightly modify) was 10 times more then the drafts person.
But may you should start another thread ?

[mella l]

Well when it comes to loans, it has to do with the current economy in my mind. Good economy 2005 easy loans, bad economy 2008, 2009 really tough to get a loan.

Construction loans are the toughest because if the buyer isn't good for the loan in the end, then the lender must be able to market the property. Therefore all the machinations. I know I've done it construction, and straight mortgage, 10 % down loan and 20% down loans. None were/are a fun exercise, and I imagine unless you are Bill Gates or the equivalent, you must go through this gauntlet as ugly as it is. The scrutiny and endless questions and paperwork are all meant to discourage, in my opinion the faint at heart. It is emotional, it is viseral, it is how money is controlled. So lucky you you made it and now you own/ have the privilege of purchasing your home like about one half of all citizens.

mella l

"New York London Paris Hilo"

[StillHope]

I know ,Mella,that I am lucky to get the loan.
If I delayed with the contract I was very likely not to get one.
But you have no idea how dearly I paid for this with my project. .

(I am not going to discuss the details at this point hoping that I'll still get things corrected).

[Daniel]

Stillhope, reading this reminds me, you still need to pick up your UV. You paid for it.

Thanks,

Daniel

Daniel R Diamond

[StillHope]

Daniel,since I've been already billed for the UV installation and there's some kind of a filter,I am assuming that Mike might already got it from your father.
The only thing is that he said that the sediment filter was already yellow when he installed it.
E-mail me for the details.
Thank you again for the amazing job on the well!