Regrets

• Using 12 instead of 14 gauge in the lighting circuits.  Why?
• Paying the electrician 80% when rough-in was completed (I finished the job myself)  He did a great job of planning, switch locations, etc.  I still recommend him (Evergreen), though.
• Not noticing that the builder changed the septic location (he didn't tell me)
• Not checking the window heights
• Putting radiant heat in the garage.  I'll never turn it on
• Using Gale insulation.
• Mirror in powder room is too high
• Mirror in guest room is too low
• Getting bad advice from Strait Flooring on our Marmoleum installation
• Using Strait Flooring
• Using Truth Hardware's power skylight
• Not planning for rainwater catchment (I still want to do this)
• Not planning for passive solar hot water.  ( I may add this)
• Not installing a second water heater at the west end of the home.  Why?

Great contractors:

• Bruce Shaver, absolutely the best finish carpenter.  Honest & extremely talented (see our window casings, stairs, cherry fireplace surround, & my office desk)
• John Miletich, builder
• The Plumbing Connection
• Class Act painting
• Moon Construction (sheet rock)
• Evergreen Electric (although I could not get him to come back to finish, I may have to move him to regrets)
• Dave Barns (metal roofing)
  Caveat: High winds caused screws at the metal roof edge to pull out.  Dave said that he would come back and fix this, but I had to do this myself.
• Chuck Anderson - Tile (check out the photos)
• Our brick Mason.  He can do good work, but he has to be watched.  He tends to stray from the plan.
  Makes a mess, too.  Be sure to dig holes where he can dump his slurry.
• See "Who Can Build" here.

I also recommend:

    Blakes Sand & Gravel for tile, stone, & brick.  Judy Reno and Cathy King were extremely helpful.  They have an amazing eye for color.
    Jeff King for custom furniture & built-ins.  (JeffKing@HandCraftedWoodworks.com)
    Thomas Building Supply.
    Bliemeisters for cabinets.  They did a beautiful job.

My biggest Regret:

• Using Absolute Air for our heating contractor.

Check a contractor's license & insurance status