Originally Posted by
Markus Keller
You are correct about the code, safety, challenge point. I guess a difference is the way I look at things. I look at many of these issues from the vantage point of being challenged and how it will play out, legally, financially, etc for the client. I try to anticipate as many worst case scenarios as possible with a given situation and 'head them off at the pass'. I guess the nature of much of my work has put me into that mindset. Many of my clients are attorneys ...
Markus,
That's the way I thought too ... usually the 'worst case' ends with multiple deaths, the client, spouse, kids, etc., ...
... many times one trying to save the other trying to save the other trying to save ...
That's why I came up with "code is the minimum crappiest one is legally allowed to build", after so many builders saying (even though it did not) "it meets code".
I would respond with my "code is the minimum ... ", and then frequently add in "code is not something you get up in the morning and say to yourself that you will strive to meet code, code is the crappiest you are legally allowed to start at when you get up in the morning and start to work - you *strive* for doing better".
Beyond code is where the "safety" and "other factors" (see below) come in. Once they have met "code", that's where what they represented to the buyer comes in:
I ask the Builder: Is this house 'minimum standard housing'? (I'm standing in a $5 mil house and I know it is not.)
Builder replies: OF COURSE NOT! WHAT DO YOU THINK I BUILD! This is a custom/luxury/quality/you-name-the-wording house - THAT IS ALL I build.
Me: (turning to my client) This is a "custom" "quality" "luxury" house?
Client: Yes. That is what the builder advertised it as and what we bought it as.
Builder: (turning toward me after listening to the client state the above) See? I only build luxury homes.
Me: (facing the builder) Good, then to make sure that we are all on the same page (now turning to my client) and being as "code" is the crappiest one is legally allowed to build, you don't want to hear the builder respond to any concerns by implying that something "is good enough" just because he thinks it meets the minimum crappiest standard, do you (turning to the builder to see their response)?