 nother option is available to you that might just be the best of all worlds. As the owner, you are responsible for choosing the many finish materials your builder will be needing to complete your home, so you will be involved in the project anyway. What works best for many people is simply being actively involved.
OWNER INVOLVED PROJECTS
 This is what we recommend for the vast majority of our clients. Be an involved owner! Live within a reasonable driving distance from your new home-to-be and visit regularly. Choose a good, experienced contractor whom you trust to take all of the responsibility for building your home. You can then spend your time being a good owner and making the decisions for your finish materials in plenty of time so they can be ordered and on site when needed.
If you have the extra time and inclination, offer to do the cleanup. Then, when you come by, you'll have something to do. The subcontractors will be glad to see you because they'll know that the place will be cleaner when you leave. You'll be able to keep an eye on things without looking like you're standing over anyone's shoulder.
Find out where you can take construction waste in your area to be recycled. Many contractors don't have the time to recycle so if you do it, you'll keep your site clean and help the environment at the same time. Another tip: get yourself a magnet on a stick (available at home repair stores) and pick up nails inside and out. (Many tires and feet will thank you.) After the roofers have installed your asphalt shingle roof, you'll be shocked at the number of nails left around the perimeter (they are supposed to clean them up, but there are always more.) Those nails have big heads and stick straight up so workers are especially grateful when you get them before their feet do.
 If you really feel generous and would like to contribute to a happy and productive workplace, bring doughnuts in the mornings sometimes or go for a coffee run. Bring a cooler of soft drinks on hot afternoons, or bring some quick snacks. Your workers will love you for it and you'll likely get some extra attention and favors in return! It's a small price to pay to help keep your workers in good spirits.
If, while there doing your cleanup, you notice something that appears to be incorrect, talk to your contractor. (Keep in mind that very often it may look incorrect, but it really isn't and adjust your wording accordingly for best results.) The subs take their orders from your contractor, so talking directly to them leads to confusion and will interrupt your contractor's lines of communication and authority. If there is indeed a problem, let your contractor handle it. That's what you're paying them for!
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