Hire a general contractor or sub-contractors?
melle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/
10 years ago
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homey_bird
10 years agomelle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Which contractor to hire?
Comments (10)Just wanted to post a follow-up.... We chose #3, for the following reasons: 1) Showed up to do the estimate armed with 8 pages of local references, WITH addresses, names, and phone numbers. 3 local references checked out fine. 2) Estimate was in the ballpark of the others 3) He was the only one who said that he wouldn't have to ruin the carpet to do the job. 4) He was the only one willing to do a sump pump. 5) His estimate included R-13 not just R-9 insulation. The result: Very, very happy. Yes, there has been a bit of nickel-and diming on the contracting company's part, but nothing terrible and the one small item on which we quibbled, there was a good reason why it became an extra charge. They did all the demo and cleaned up, they covered the carpet with plastic, they used the existing framing from the paneling, the sheetrock, taping and spackling and sanding is spectacular. They did 8 high hats, they installed 2 4' baseboard oil-filled electric heaters, they redirected the ONE heat vent into the room, they put in a new laundry room door, 2 new storm doors, new slider windows, and the pump. 2 other things that set this company apart: 1) GREAT communication. They give you a user ID and password to a job tracking web site where you can print your permits, receipts for materials, and get time projections for the job. 2) LOCKBOX. They put a realtor-type lockbox on the door so only those with the combination can get in. We're very happy with this company and plan to bring them out again to do the rest of the remodeling we need as money suffices....See MoreShould I hire a general contractor?
Comments (5)Use individual vendors and get multiple bids for each job. In my experience, most general contractors aren't that interested in a collection of small jobs, and in any case using one will end up costing you more, possibly a lot more, as the contractor has to add his own overhead, and possible other markups. As far as the order, think logically if the jobs are in the same areas. For example, don't put down new carpet until you have replaced woodwork and done any painting; otherwise you risk damage to the carpet....See Morewho do I hire a architect, general contractor or designer?
Comments (1)you would need an architect first. I would advise someone reputable and that has worked in the area and knows what your town codes/bi laws are, i.e, set backs from street, neighboring properties. But more importantly structure of the house, and a cohesive design to it.And then hire a G.C....See MoreWho installs makeup air? General contractor? HVAC contractor?
Comments (4)I agree, talk to a good HVAC contractor. Finding the good ones is the key point. I'd question if what you are asking for makes sense for your house (how new and how tightly, or not. is your home sealed). Do you want unheated/unconditioned air coming directly into your kitchen, do you want to stand under that supply of air when it is 32 degrees outside? Qualifier: I'm not familiar with Fantech products. What is used in newer, well sealed homes are devices knows as HRV or ERV (Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators). What these devices do is get any heat from air being exhausted from the structure (cooking, bathroom exhaust, clothes dryer exhausts, etc.), and exchange the heat to add it to air coming into the structure (some do exchange of moisture along with heat). In some areas, northern and colder climates and Canada, these devices are required by code. If your structure is older and enough makeup air comes in through door and windows seals, mail slots, screen doors, garage entrances, dryer and bathroom exhausts when not in use, etc., etc. then you don't want this arrangement. A good HVAC contractor will have someone on staff who understands all this stuff and can tell you what options make sense for your house....See MoreJoseph Corlett, LLC
10 years agolikewhatyoudo
10 years agoanna_in_tx
10 years agoGracie
10 years agomelle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/
10 years agohomey_bird
10 years agoGooster
10 years agosouthofsa
10 years ago
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