Owner-Built Construction Management Services

Initially I met with Jim of Owner Built as a client. Even though I work in the trades designing homes, I knew I needed help with developing and implementing my project. Our experience working together on this resulted in the development of a working relationship for several years now. I have personally witnessed Jim as he has worked with his clients. I have learned a deep respect and trust in Jim (Owner-Built). It is not just the process that works, it's Jim. As a professional he understands that he is working and the in someones home and the responsibility that comes with it.

Owner-Built (OBMS) is owned by Jim Rumler. He sells his company by stating that using his "program" could provide a significant savings of “25% or more” on construction costs if we, as the owners, were willing to act as the general contractor. OBMS would provide consulting services on our behalf for a fee of 25% of the total costs to “achieve (our) finished project.” Our expectations, based on our initial meetings, were to use Jim Rumler’s expertise as a second set of eyes to help with the many details – unknown to us – involved with the remodeling project. First, we did not recognize 25% savings for our project. Our biggest ticket items were our flooring, countertop, cabinets, and electrical. The flooring was purchased using OBMS’ manufacturer’s discount. The discount brought the flooring to the same price we could have purchased it at using a local flooring dealer. The countertop was market rate. The cabinets were custom-made and one of the only areas we saw savings. The electrical was market rate. Second, OBMS received payment of 25% of the total costs. That included items we secured, researched, and where he offered no value or discount (e.g. light fixtures, appliances, plumbing fixtures, paint). Finally, Jim Rumler made *ONE* trip to the site during the two plus months of construction. The contract stated that “(OBMS) will provide general oversight of the owner-builder/GC activities on the project. (OBMS) shall visit the site at intervals appropriate to the stage of construction to become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work completed and to determine generally if the work is being performed in accordance with the contract documents.” What he provided was a list of vetted contractors, and a plug-in timeline and budget worksheet for our project. He made a few phone calls, sent a few emails, and texts providing very little useful counseling or expertise. His coaching at one point was to chastise us for not letting him know there were issues with the drywall work. We were also told asking for estimates from a few contractors was “frowned upon” in the industry. We reluctantly paid Mr. Rumler a total of $10,141.67 for approximately 10 hours of work and ONE site visit during construction. We would not recommend OBMS based on our experience.

Jim Rumler is a true professional that treat's his client's projects as if they were being done in his own home. He strives to create a team of professionals for every category of work to be done on a given project and holds each of his team members to a high standard excellence. Jim's motto is don't don't disappoint my customer. Jim's versatility and knowledge in the industry empowers clients to take on their remodeling projects with confidence. Jim's attention to details both in the bid phase and work phase of projects makes his him a huge asset to his clients.