The EquityQuest Direct Contract Program

Direct Contracting is when you, the homeowner, contract directly with suppliers and installers.  We make this program available on non-structural processes like excavation, utilities, painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, trim materials, trim labor, appliances, clean up, and bath/kitchen hardware.

The benefits of our Direct Contracting Program:

  • Our final Builders Fees can be half the fees many custom builders charge due to our Collaborative Building/Direct Contracting program. Our Builder Fee calculation on Direct Contracted items is substantially lower than standard contract items due to our reduced scope. This can save customers thousands of dollars.

  • On top of deeply discounted builder fees, upgrades become available to you at no builder markup. Typically, upgrades in flooring, countertops, and cabinets are a HIGH MARKUP (30% plus!) item.  Because you are contracting directly with your vendors every upgrade you choose you receive at your cost.

  • You are in control of the details and outcome.  You are able to communicate your ideas and designs directly with the craftsman eliminating the frustrations of communicating through 2 layers of contractors.

  • We pass on our contractor pricing.  Whenever possible we make our accounts available to you for materials like flooring, countertops, tile, deck materials, trim materials, etc.  Our pricing is 10 - 30% below retail on many items.

  • We have a network of recommended suppliers and installers and we are always available for consulting and advice.

    How Direct Contracting Works:

A “General” Contractor refers to a contractor in charge of hiring subcontractors and coordinating their work, keeping the job on track for a for a timely and on-budget completion.

If you choose direct contracting or use sweat equity for a specific process, EquityQuest continues to be the general contractor for the whole project but ceases to be the manager for that specific process.

In a direct contracting situation, EquityQuest is involved only in the following:

  • Defining scope of work - making clear what each process covers

  • Setting and communicating scheduling of work and delivery of materials

  • Recommending sequencing of work

  • Coordinating payment to direct contractor from owner’s construction loan

  • Advising owner on any questions or issues that arise

The homeowners responsibilities when using a direct contractor are:

  • Research and selection of contractor

  • Selection of materials

  • Ordering of materials and allowing for lead time

  • Monitoring budget set forth in the construction contract

  • Quality control of direct contractor’s work

  • Ensuring scope of work as given by EquityQuest is completed

  • Managing callbacks/repairs

  • Ensuring proper cleanup

  • Dispute Resolution