Should I Hire a Remodeling General Contractor?
Have you ever thought; “should I be my own remodeling general contractor?” You are not alone. However, if you decide to manage your remodeling project yourself and go it alone without hiring a qualified remodeling contractor, it’s important that you know all of the required tasks.
An experienced general contractor oversees and manages the entire project, ensuring that the work is done to your satisfaction. While it’s not unreasonable to think that a homeowner could act as their own contractor it’s a demanding role that requires professional skills, years of knowledge, and much time on the job.
How Can an Experienced General Contractor Cost Less?
Engineers
Suppose your construction project requires substantial framing and structural modifications to hold new roof loads. In that case, you will need an engineer to calculate these new stress loads. A sound engineer will find the best solutions and back them up with his certification and stamp.
A good remodel contractor will have a good engineer who makes good decisions, adds value to the project, and does not waste resources.
Architects
Suppose an architect is involved. In that case, our company will work with that person(s) to guarantee the project is implemented as planned. The architect and company will review the plans together before any work begins.
Then, if problems arise, the architect and designer will solve workable solutions. It’s a receptacle relationship that requires all parties to be involved, but we easily handle these tasks.
Gather and Evaluate Bids
Every construction company has a network of trusted crews that allows the company to gather accurate bids quickly. However, if you act as your residential general contractor, accomplishing the same may require more time and effort.
You’ll need to get bids for every trade, including framing, electrical, mechanical, foundation, and plumbing.
Suppose one crew shows you a different way of doing something. In that case, you’ll need to communicate that to all the other crews and have them re-bid the remodel to match all the estimates consistently.
You’ll need to know each crew’s products and techniques to determine if you are getting quality for your money.
Running the Construction Crews
Once all the trades are lined up and ready, “get everything in writing.” Keep a binder with one per trade to refer to when decisions need to be made quickly. Having everything in writing holds the businesses you hired to their promises regarding the quality of materials and workmanship.
Most homeowners find it challenging to coordinate a project with the busy schedules of multiple crews. When a good construction company is on the job, its teams commit to tight schedules.
A well-managed remodeling general contractor completes the needed tasks efficiently, so projects managed by a professional rarely run behind schedule. We answer questions and resolve any issues early. The remodeling contractor has to be on the job regularly, overseeing and inspecting the work.
Permits and the Associated Inspections
To ensure a safe working environment for the homeowner, city permits, when needed, may be required before demolishing, building, or enlarging most remodeling construction projects.
Even if you do not need a permit for that tiny room addition, most cities will check with Google Maps as they are updated to find new rooflines. They can check if that homeowner has pulled a permit. You do not want to get that knock on the door after the fact.
An experienced residential remodeling contractor will know which projects require permits and which don’t and learn how to work with the city to get the proper permits. We meet with the city inspectors at the job site, and as an established company, we know that many issues can be dealt with during that meeting.
You can’t go back and fix not having insurance. You have it, or you don’t. Fortunately, you can ask for insurance coverage before hiring. Look for the actual certificate and check if it’s current and registered with your city.
Conclusion;
Most requirements are listed, but there is so much more to being a good contractor. You must always be available to quickly respond to the homeowner’s requests and concerns. The contractor handles many scheduling tasks, so continuous communication and meetings with the trades are essential.
Do you have what it takes to be your residential contractor? Only you can tell for sure. Before making your final decision, you may want to interview a couple of contractors to get their opinions on how easy or difficult your remodeling or renovation project will be when going it alone.