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7. Can we use our own builder?

Maybe. As of November 1, 2009, UDC has allowed residential building contractors to join the consortium as producer members if they qualify. Due to the uniqueness of this type of building design and construction, precise work is required to meet performance goals. The need for quality assurance inspections, guidance, and adherence to construction documents and specifications is required for UDC to conduct contract administration during all phases of design and construction of the buildings. Builders interested in working with our architects must be registered with a local, county, or state jurisdiction that monitors the builders professional performance. A builder in good standing with such an organization and willing to abide by UDC code of ethics then becomes a candidate for collaboration. This practice at UDC has been refined over years of managing building projects. It is part of our practice to prevent underqualified “professional builders” from violating our construction documents. Unauthorized construction can cause the building, when completed, to operate below its designed range and cost the client additional money to correct. As a rule, we no longer allow builders to conduct themselves independently without guidance and oversight from our design professionals. In order to protect the client and building integrity, UDC controls every aspect of contract administration and quality assurance inspections and certifications of completeness. Builders interested in constructing these types of buildings should contact Steve Mueller to discuss becoming a member at steve.mueller@udcinc.org.