From Ashes to Accountability: Steve Clark & Owner Builder Advisors Guide Contractors
Steve Clark from Owner Builder Advisors joined The Contractor Grow Show to talk about his work. He started his company after a big wildfire in Santa Rosa destroyed thousands of homes. Many people did not know how to rebuild, so Steve and his team stepped in to help.
Owner Builder Advisors helps people at every stage of building or remodeling a home. They help with finding land, getting permits, and choosing the right contractors. Steve’s team also reviews contracts and budgets to make sure homeowners are protected from cost overruns.
“If it’s grey, you’ll pay—make sure those contracts get reviewed and everybody understands what their role is.” ~ Steve Clark
Steve explained that his company operates nationwide, not just in California. They have experts in every state who can visit job sites and check on projects. This helps keep everyone on track and ensures the work is done correctly.
The company offers different levels of service based on how much help a client needs. Some clients need help from start to finish, while others just need advice on certain steps. Steve calls these levels “tiers,” and each tier comes with a set number of hours each month.
Owner Builder Advisors also helps with risk management. They check contractor bids and compare them to their estimates. This helps catch mistakes or missing items in the budget. Steve says this process is called “budget leveling.”
Another important part of their work is site visits and project meetings. Steve’s team can attend these meetings in person or online. This helps keep everyone accountable and makes sure the project stays on schedule.
Steve talked about how important it is to have clear contracts. He says, “If it’s grey, you’ll pay,” meaning that if something is not clear in the contract, it can cause problems later. Owner Builder Advisors makes sure everything is written down so there are no surprises.
The company also helps homeowners and contractors understand the building process. They explain things like change orders, lien waivers, and payment applications. This makes the process easier for everyone.
Steve’s other company, Construction Inspection Specialists, works with banks and private lenders. They help manage risk on big projects all over the country. This service has been in business for over 26 years.
Steve ended the interview by sharing how people can contact him. He gave the websites for both Owner Builder Advisors and Construction Inspection Specialists. He also encouraged listeners to check out the resources and tools on their websites.
Steve Clark, Owner Builde Advisors Contact Info:Owner Builder Advisors
Construction Inspection Specialists
(707) 620-0987
Advisors@OBAHelps.com
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Wildfire Recovery and Rebuilding:
Steve’s company started by helping homeowners rebuild after a wildfire destroyed thousands of homes in Santa Rosa. -
Owner Builder Advisors’ Services:
They guide clients through every step of building or remodeling a home, from finding land to finishing the project. -
Risk Management:
The company helps manage risk by reviewing contracts, budgets, and contractor bids. -
Site Visits and Project Meetings:
Owner Builder Advisors conducts site visits and project meetings to keep everyone accountable. -
Budget Leveling:
They compare contractor bids to their own estimates to catch mistakes and missing items. -
Clear Contracts:
The company makes sure contracts are clear and everyone understands their responsibilities. -
Resources and Tools:
Steve’s companies offer resources and tools to help homeowners and contractors understand the building process.