Expert Guidance for Your Construction Journey
Transform Your Vision into Reality with Our Consulting Services
Embark on your home-building adventure with confidence. Paul Chapman's New Construction Consulting services empower you to take the reins as your own General Contractor, offering expert advice and strategic planning every step of the way.
Start Building Your Dream Home Today
Our Consulting Services
Our New Construction Consulting services are designed to support homeowners who wish to act as their own General Contractor. We provide comprehensive guidance throughout the construction process, from initial planning to final inspections. Our services help you navigate complex permits, coordinate with subcontractors, and manage timelines effectively, ensuring your project stays on track and within budget. By choosing us, you gain a partner committed to making your home-building experience seamless and successful.
You Have the Vision. I Know the Process.
Where Owner-Builders Get Stuck — And How I Help
Acting as your own General Contractor puts you in control — and that's exactly where you should be. But Rhode Island's new-construction process has specific sequences, specific authorities, and specific deadlines that catch first-time owner-builders off guard. Here is where experience makes the difference.
PHASE ONE - Before The Shovel
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- Team assembly — Finding the right architect, OWTS designer, surveyor, and trade subs in South County takes more than a Google search. I connect you with vetted professionals I know personally and trust.
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Permit sequence navigation — The DEM OWTS permit must be in hand before South Kingstown will issue your building permit, and erosion control must pass inspection before both. Miss the sequence and your project waits.
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Budget reality-checking — Architectural designs don't automatically reflect real South County build costs. I identify where allowances are too low and where contingency is missing before the numbers become commitments.
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Contract review — Sub-contracts have scope gaps and change order language that cost owner-builders money when things shift mid-project. I review them for the practical construction issues before you sign.
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Bid leveling — Three bids for the same scope can vary by 40% and still not be comparing the same thing. I level them so you're making an apples-to-apples decision, not a guess.
PHASE TWO - During The Build
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- Inspection scheduling and sequencing — South Kingstown inspections run on specific days, require 24-hour notice, and covering uninspected work triggers a Stop Work Order. I manage the calendar and make every call on time.
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Sub coordination — Trades that arrive out of sequence create delays that ripple through every phase behind them. I manage the handoff from excavation through rough trades so your subs show up when the work is ready.
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Weekly site walk-throughs — Small deviations from the plans are cheap to fix early and expensive to fix later. I walk the site regularly and give you a written report after every visit.
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Change order management — Change orders are where owner-builder budgets quietly disappear. I review every one for scope and pricing before you sign.
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Communication with the town and DEM — The Building Department and DEM are separate systems with separate contacts and separate documentation requirements. I handle that communication so nothing is missed or undocumented.
PHASE THREE - At The Finish
- CO checklist management — A Certificate of Occupancy requires coordinated sign-offs from the Building Dept, DEM, water utility, and Fire Marshal — all in sequence. I manage the full checklist from day one so nothing delays your move-in.
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Punch list development — Before final payments go out, I walk the completed work with a written punch list. The details that disappear after a sub's last check clears get documented and resolved first.
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Budget reconciliation — I close out every cost against the original budget and deliver a clean final summary. You hand it directly to your accountant — organized, documented, and ready.
Common Questions About Our Consulting
Get answers to the most common questions about our consulting services and how we can assist you in your home-building journey.
What is the difference between a consultant and a General Contractor?
While a General Contractor manages the entire construction process and holds liability, a consultant provides expert advice and guidance. We help you make informed decisions, review contracts, and ensure your project adheres to timelines and regulations, while you maintain control as the Owner-Builder.
When should I engage your consulting services?
It's best to engage our services as early as possible, ideally when you first acquire a buildable lot. Early involvement allows us to identify potential issues and streamline the design and permit phases, but we can also assist at any stage of your project.
What does the OWTS permit process involve?
The OWTS permit process for a new 4-bedroom home involves obtaining a New Building Construction permit from the RI DEM. This requires collaboration with a licensed OWTS Designer, a soil evaluation, and an online application. We guide you through each step to ensure compliance and timely approval.
Explore Our Service Packages
SERVICE TIERS & PRICING
PRICES DEPEND UPON COMPLEXITY OF WORK
THE KICKSTART PACKAGE
TIER 1A focused pre-permit engagement for clients who want to get oriented before they commit.
One 2-hour intake session to review their lot, goals, and budget
A written phase-by-phase roadmap customized to their project (you already have the template from this session)
A vetted referral list of architects, OWTS designers, surveyors, and subs in South County
A permit sequence overview and a building department introduction
One follow-up call
THE PROCESS PACKAGE
TIER 2For clients who want hands-on help from design through permit issuance.
- Everything in Tier 1
- Architect and engineer selection assistance; bid review and leveling
- Review of the permit application packet before submission
- DEM OWTS coordination assistance
- Sub contracts review (scope and payment terms)
- Weekly check-in calls during the design and permitting phase
- Introduction to and relationship management with South Kingstown Building Dept
FULL BUILD COMPANION
TIER 3- Everything in Tier 2
- Bi-weekly or weekly site walk-throughs with a written report
- Inspection sequencing calendar maintained and managed
- All sub bid leveling, change order review, and payment milestone tracking
- Budget vs. actual tracking (line-item, monthly)
- DEM and building department communication on the owner's behalf
- CO checklist managed to completion
- On a $500,000 project at 4% = $20,000 total fee, paid monthly over 12–18 months
Tier 1 Kickstart Package
Designed for those just starting their construction journey, this package provides essential guidance from lot acquisition to initial planning. We help you identify potential issues early, ensuring a smooth start to your project.
Tier 2 Project Management Support
Our mid-level package offers ongoing support throughout your build. From reviewing bids to coordinating inspections, we ensure your project stays on track and within budget.
Tier 3 Full-Project Advisory
For those seeking comprehensive oversight, this package includes full advisory services from start to finish. We handle every detail, allowing you to focus on the big picture.
À La Carte Consulting
Customize your consulting experience with our à la carte services. Whether you need help with specific phases or tasks, we provide expert advice tailored to your needs.
Permit and Compliance Assistance
Navigating permits and compliance can be daunting. Our team guides you through every requirement, ensuring your project meets all local and state regulations.
Inspection Coordination
We coordinate all necessary inspections, ensuring they are scheduled and completed on time, keeping your project moving forward without delays.
Download Your Free Guide
Unlock the secrets to a successful build with our South County Owner-Builder Roadmap. Sign up now to receive your free PDF guide and start your journey with confidence.