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Recommendations for General Contractors in Seattle

17 years ago

We're doing a pretty significant remodel to an old Craftsman in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle. The remodel includes addition of a dormer, replacement of heat, plumbing & electrical systems and covers 3 floors (basement, main level & upper level). We have an architect & an interior designer, and the permits for our plans are almost approved. We had a General Contractor lined up, but he's suddenly informed us that he's no longer available b/c our permits took longer than expected. We're already very behind schedule on our project, so we're now looking for a general contractor who can start pretty much immediately.

We're very cost-conscious and are looking for someone who charges competitively, both in terms of hourly rates as well as mark-up. I've looked at the Master Builders forum and their index of contractors, but there are so many listed there, I'm not sure where to start. Was hoping to get some recommendations for GCs who people have worked with in the Seattle area.

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Comments (3)

kudzu9
17 years ago
Send me an email and I'll provide contact info for a high quality firm that I've dealt with for over 25 years in the Seattle area.
brunosonio
17 years ago
We live in Bellevue, and fired 2 general contractors. Ended up in a similiar situation where the permits took longer than expected to come thru. We GC'd the job ourselves, total house gut and remodel.

One word of caution...Seattle is one of the tightest markets for renovations in the country, many contractors are booked up to a year or two in advance. At least the good ones are...do NOT just take anyone that's available to get your project done. You'll regret it...any contractor that's worth his/her reputation will be booked months in advance, and any contractor who's free immediately should be looked upon with some suspicion.

Not that contractors don't have cancellations, but I would be very careful in the selection process. Interview the references, and look at completed projects up close.

If you email me, I can give you a list of our subs...if nothing else, that might get you started until you can get a GC. But don't rule out GC'ing it yourself...it's entirely possible and you can save quite a bit. I can give you a list of building supply/sources at contractor prices in our area.
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ron6519
17 years ago
Your job parameters as to cost will be very hard to achieve. There are very few good contractors who are doing nothing and can start immediately. The good ones are booked weeks/months in advance. Even the incompetant ones are probably busy. You would probably need someone who is just starting out, who has the skills for the job and an opening in his schedule. Maybe you'll get lucky.
Ron

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