New residences that have been custom designed by architects are most often constructed by licensed general contractors. These contractors specialize in building distinctly different new homes uniquely designed to address the client's personal needs and aesthetic preferences. Accordingly, the general contractor's task

of preparing for construction involves the analysis of scores of individual line items documented in the plans and specifications prepared by the architect. Before a construction proposal can be presented to the owner, the general contractor must secure bids from numerous subcontractors for elements of the work including the foundation,framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical wiring, drywall installation, insulation, air-conditioning (HVAC), painting, floor finishing, millwork, cabinetry, appliances, building materials and specialty items. Evaluating and addressing each aspect of work set forth in the construction documents is a time consuming process and general contractors specializing in the