BUILDING DILEMMAS 289 



The mechanics' and supply material lien and building 

 laws, also the tax rate, in the State in which one is building 

 are important documents to study before commencing opera- 

 tions. 



Legal rights must be clearly defined between owner, architect, 

 and contractor, the contract should also give the owner the right to 

 change men or materials if either prove different from the agree- 

 ment, and to make alterations in design or construction, always pro- 

 vided it is done and accepted in writing and the cost approximately 

 adjusted. A builder must not be given the slightest opportunity to 

 say a thing is according to plan when it is self-evident that a mistake 

 has been made and plans must be accurately drawn to meet these 

 aggravating contingencies. 



Irresponsible Contractors. 



Within the ranks of artisans are to be found bidders (I am glad 

 to say they are few) who will submit phenomenally low figures 

 much below the sum for which the work can be thoroughly done. 

 If the contract is given to any of these, there are ten chances to one 

 that one or all of the four dragons, ignorance, impecuniosity, dupli- 

 city and avarice will give you the fight of your life before you have 

 use for the latch key. After these contractors have drawn the last 

 cent on an architect's certificate, to speak in building parlance, their 

 modus operandi is to "lie down on the job," throw up their hands, 

 and cry poverty. The amateur has then reached a stage in his opera- 

 tions that ordinary common sense, if given half a chance, would 

 have warned him against in the beginning. I hear the echo of the 

 cry. At this point the complicated situation beggars description. 

 The weak-kneed and practically dishonest contractor frequently relies 

 on being hired by the day to finish the job, cannily figuring that as 

 he knows more about it than a new man, he stands a better chance 

 to continue the work. As a rule, it is far more satisfactory to get 

 rid of such poor timber. "Small choice in rotten apples." It is 

 surprising how such a contractor to save a feiv dollars w r ill injure 

 a fine house thousands by leaving loopholes for moisture at window, 

 door, and eave opening, skimping in paper and felt linings, allowing 

 insecure nailing and scant bracing, covering up shaky and soggy 

 lumber, and using green instead of kiln-dried wood. The owner 

 often makes a close second by employing a makeshift architect or 

 none at all and cutting corners by using cheap labor and material, 

 thus wasting both time and lumber. 



Building Dilemmas. 



And now let us look at the other horn of the dilemma. There 

 are responsible and reputable builders who will sign a contract at a 

 higher price and will certainly finish the house, but when? At the 

 hour of signing, the contractor, we will say, has but little work 

 ahead, and his promises as to time are emphatic and specific. In 



