Some simple measures can be applied from the outset of construction that will prevent infestation of rodents and insects. Consider adding the following requirements to the above list:
• All foodstuffs shall be disposed of in containers that will be removed from the jobsite and emptied at the end of each workday.
• All debris shall be removed from under and around the building premises and properly disposed of in a Dumpster. The Dumpster shall be removed when full on a regular basis so that piles of debris do not accumulate on the ground around it.
There may be some instances where you will be asked by your contractor to share in the responsibility for application of an experimental material. You may choose to accept this responsibility on a case-by-case basis. However, aside from any agreed-upon exceptions, the contractor must be willing to provide the same warranty for your finished home as would be provided if standard products were being used. The contractor should have no problem doing so as long as the manufacturers instructions are carefully followed.
Manufacturers will specify the conditions required for the proper application of their products, such as proper curing times, acceptable temperature ranges, or specific preparation of substrates. Because the materials contain fewer chemical additives, the manufacturers specifications may be both different from and less forgiving than what tradespeople are accustomed to. Consequently, workers may require close supervision by the contractor to maintain a high standard.
Another area requiring special vigilance on the contractor s part lies in the careful screening of materials as they arrive onsite to ensure that no spoilage, adsorption of odors, mold, or other forms of contamination have occurred.
We know of a case where batt insulation was shipped to the jobsite in a truck that had been used to transport fertilizer. Once the installation was installed, the home took on a distinctly unpleasant odor because of the adsorbent nature of the batt insulation. In another case, a painter who was unfamiliar with milk — based paints did not realize that the products he was using had spoiled. The finished home smelled like sour milk.
Subcontractors may be unfamiliar with some of the healthier products we recommend and may not recognize a problem when it arises. These products typically have little odor, and a strong odor may be an indication for concern. The contractor s nose becomes an important quality control mechanism. Exceptions include products such as silicone caulks and vapor barrier sealants, whose strong odor upon application quickly dissipates and becomes neutral. A call to the architect or manufacturer may be helpful for reassurance when questions arise.
It is important to have a clear agreement from the outset about your expectations concerning quality. This agreement can be formalized in the specifications using language similar to the following:
