I would like to find out which option to use when building my house, whether to use an individual builder or a construction company.

The main advantage of using an individual builder as compared to using a construction company are mainly cost related. This is based on the understanding that an individual has low overhead costs compared to a company. In addition, it is easy to exercise some control over an individual and if the individual does not perform to expectations, a replacement can easily be brought in. Dealing with individuals, however, has its own challenges.

First if the builder has a personal or family problem, you should expect your work to be affected. Secondly, the selected individual should be able to coordinate different activities thus knowing what should come when since construction involves a number of interrelated disciplines. Thirdly, as the project owner, you should be prepared to invest most of your time on the project to make sure that the work is done to your satisfaction, time of which could have been devoted to other things. The forth challenge is when the builder has other projects that are underway, in trying to work out things, the builder can come up with reasons for not attending to your project. Finally, when dealing with an individual you may need to be prepared to incur unexpected costs like equipment hire and buying of tools, some of which you may not need when the project is completed.

Suppose you get a good construction company, which considers reputation as an important part of its business, the main advantage is that they can do the work on your behalf thus lifting certain responsibilities off your shoulders. Issues of planning and coordination among others can be done by the company. Apart from this, when your project is either big or complex, the services of a company can be handy. Additionally, a company normally comes up with a dedicated team specifically meant for your project. Furthermore, a company comes in with their own tools and equipment for the job such that holding everything constant, the obligation of the Client is limited to the amount quoted. The challenge with dealing with a construction company, however, is that the costs can be higher than dealing with an individual.

In the final analysis, the decision of whether to engage an individual or a company for your construction project depends, among other factors, on the size and complexity of the project, the time you have to monitor the construction project and your budget.