2. Get 3 bids. If you want to build like a pro you have to do some work. So, when hiring subs, do not go with the first guy you see, instead get a minimum of three bids, compare them, and choose the most realistic and accurate. Never get fewer than 3, but do not waste your time getting more than about 5.

3. Air tight contracts. If you want to owner build like a pro you have to have yourself covered legally, and you have to keep your suns honest. The best way to do this is to have air tight contracts. They need to be specific about when they are expected, what they are expected to do, what materials they are expected to use, and when their work should be completed. There should then be penalties (financial ones) for any variance from the contract.

4. Don't pay upfront. If you want to owner build like a pro you have to expect people to be dishonest and lazy, and force them to be honest and work hard. One way to do this is to NEVER pay for a job upfront. Not even part of it. If you must, buy the supplies for them, but they are not to be paid for their labor until the job is complete, on time, and passes inspection. Even if your contract says that for every day they are late they owe you so much, if you pay them upfront, you will never get a refund. Usually if you pay upfront, the job will never get finished. They are already paid, why should they do the work?

5. Have a back up plan. Pros have a plan B. They want to stick to the schedule and finish on time, so they have back ups for jobs. If their electrician does not show, they call another one. One that they have checked out, price checked, quality of work checked, etc. You should do the same. Keep a folder of all written bids, and prioritize. If the first priority sub does not show, call priority number two.

6. Keep site safe. If you want to owner build like a pro you have to keep your site clean and safe. Put it in the contracts that they have to clean up after them selves, that they must follow safety measures such as wearing hard hats, and that if materials are stolen, they are responsible for the costs. That way, they will be careful to lock them up, keep things clean, etc.

7. Set budget and schedule. To look pro you have to have a guideline to follow, so set a budget, and set a schedule and stick to it as closely as possible.

8. Use software. There are a lot of resources out there for professional builders and owner builders as well, so use some of them. You can get planning software that helps with everything from contracts to budgeting. Use it.

9. Stick to your guns. If you have in a contract that something needs to be done, you fire the person if they do not do it. You have to be firm or you will get trampled.

10. Show up. To owner build like a pro you have to be onsite regularly so that they know you are checking up on their work. If you schedule all of your stops to the site, they will be prepared for you with a false front. You will get what looks like hard work, and not have it. So keep all workers on their toes, show up randomly, and check work. It is good to have a knowledge of what is quality, and what isn't, or at least a friend with this knowledge who is willing to help you out.