GC bid summarized vs line item detail - is this normal?
kcorn
10 years ago
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sjhockeyfan325
10 years agojakuvall
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Pros vs. Cons buying plumbing fixtures on-line?
Comments (21)We were lucky in that our plumber's prices were right in line with what I found online. However, I think there is something to be said for maintaining the goodwill of the plumber (he's not exasperated if bits and pieces are missing, or other issues due to delivery), as well as potential warrenty type issues. Aditionally, our builder uses a local guy, and in this small town I'd call him if we had plumbing issues 4, 5, 10 years down the road- he knows his work, he can fix it back up, and I I'd rather not leave a bad memory. I also find it much more effective to go park myself in a store if there is a problem rather than deal with people online (if a part happened to fail down-the-line). Now, what this may be worth is up to you, and which items are worth potentially annoying the builder and/or plumber vs. other things you may want to do differently in your build....See MoreKitchen GC Quote...is this normal??
Comments (56)As you can probably see, there's no one answer to the "is this normal?" question. Regional differences may account for some or most of that, maybe simply different business models as well. It only matters that you understand what you are paying for and how much you are paying. Then you decide if it's worth it to you. We built a whole house on a cost plus contract, which I've read here is very "foolish." It worked out fine, but maybe because we had a very honest GC we trusted. And he trusted us not to nickel and dime him. His markup was 12% on the materials and subs he "was responsible for." The going rate in the area had been 15-18% before the recession. We hired him just as it seemed we might be coming out of that, but he still wanted the job, so was competitive on that end. We agreed that we would not be hard-nosed about the schedule, as we are not moving there for a while. So we offered something in return. He has been able to do other projects before ours was "finished," which is not something people want in a kitchen remodel! He was fine with us ordering and paying for appliances and he installed them without marking them up (at his usual hourly rate.) We knew what we wanted and where to get it and had them delivered on time. With countertops, for example, he arranged it all and we just paid a total that had his markup included. I don't think that fabricator would even have talked to a walk-in. There were a few other things he let us pay directly (his idea to save us some $$): tiling and foundation/excavation, driveway construction. Honestly, every time I had to deal with the subs myself, I came away thinking "man, he earns his %!). We worked directly with our cabinetmaker and paid him directly, too. I do agree appliances are a little different, but the main thing is that you both understand and agree to what the plan is....See MoreBid cost vs. contract costs
Comments (51)>Fortunately, the best, most reputable builder in our area is a design-build firm. >After a $3k deposit (applicable toward the contract) and about 6 weeks, we had a >design that we absolutely loved, and a contract just a little bit over our ideal budget >(but that we could get to if we eliminated the 14x14 screened-in deck or dropped >back to a 2 car garage from the current 3.5 car garage.) This is the same thing I have been saying. Having worked for a builder, if builder design satisfies you or require some "minor changes"* - go with it. The cost is nailed down to last stud. I do not believe that IF you are trying to build house on the budget, and this budget 400k (may be $500k) I would be involving architect . Now if you are willing to pay $200/per sq ft go ahead. @lapsangtea As far as original issue: " 630 has become 855" - I can easily see this. Large foundation, upgraded finishes + complicated exterior will do this.... Talk to a builder: ask point blank when can you to put it back in the budget. Most of the time you can build shell for $100k, it is all in finishes. (So reduce finishes for bidding). Get rid of high end faucets - replace with Moens to keep plumbing under control. Always bid 200A service and once you got the bid, ask about "upgrade to 400A". Avoid high-end HVAC (never cost effective), drop hrv/erv and ask about it as an option later IFF you need it. High-end windows add up pretty penny, with little ROI. If you want budget construction - act like it. Specify all high end finishes - builder will get concerned and pad pad pad - when your budget goes out of the window....See MoreRedoing a kitchen - comparing bids
Comments (13)In your situation, I would go with A because I would have peace of mind that the remodel would be done well and with just the normal aggravation of any remodel whereas B has too many potential pitfalls. I effectively chose the A option as I am sure that I am paying at least that amount for "peace of mind" in terms of not hiring the least expensive option. And although I hired the GC separately, the GC has worked with my designer on several other projects and so effectively this might as well be her personal GC. Others have cited all the red flags meaning that it is likely that the cost differential will be less than $15,000 by the time the project is finished - and your aggravation level could cost you more on a per aggravation minute :-). Knowing exactly what is needed to provide the functionality you want and need is absolutely critical. I am remodeling my condo currently and I have found that my designer - who is extremely knowledgable about Codes and functionality - to be a lifesaver. She is the one who can advise me on stuff like where placement of grab bars makes the most sense and whether they should be horizontal, diagonal or vertical for each placement. I am just pointing out a small item in terms of things she knows off the top of her head. Sure my designer helps me with the "fun" stuff like realizing my design but it is her knowledge of the gritty behind the scenes stuff that is the most valuable. Whenever I bring up any kind of concern that I have picked up from this forum, it is something that she does as a matter of course - i.e. having tile laid out prior to being laid or wood flooring being laid out prior to being laid so that the patterns, lengths etc. are the most aesthetic. Again, a small point but again this gives me confidence that everything is being done in the best possible way by someone who really knows what they are doing because it would be impossible for me to ever have that level of knowledge - that is what I am paying her and also the GC for - and she is acting as my advocate with the GC. While my designer would not provide me with actual plans (i.e. the kind submitted to the City for permits and to bid out to GC's) prior to payment, she certainly came out to visit me to get a sense of the unit etc. And I am a bit unclear as to which one has experience in your condo or similar condos. This to me is absolutely critical. I live in a high rise condo and so there are some very real issues that the GC must work around. Costs are just going to be higher because you must bring everything in and out by elevator. You need to put down protective flooring on common areas (which is both a material and labor cost). You need to have a good working relationship with the onsite manager. At least where I live (Los Angeles) there are specific Codes and products that need to be used in multifamily residences - i.e. condos and the inspection process is somewhat different than a single family residence as well. Obviously I don't know what your financial situation is - but for me $15,000 for receiving all the benefits of Designer A versus the unknown of Designer B (including whether it actually will come in $15,000 less) is not even close. As I wrote, for all intents and purposes, I chose Designer A for my own remodel and (kinehora LOL) I feel confident I made the right decision and any additional cost was well worth it....See Moreshanghaimom
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