Hiring architects and GCs
7 years ago
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- 7 years ago
- 7 years ago
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Hiring a construction manager vs. GC
Comments (18)ctycdm, thanks for sharing your experience. We've spoken to several people that have done large scale renovations or built homes in our area and many of them have had that same arrangement with their construction or project manager. I personally like the idea as it allows for the homeowner to have a greater level of involvement and control. I don't follow the assumption that those who choose to be project managers are failed general contractors because that's the exact opposite conclusion we've reached -- it's a beneficial arrangement for both homeowner and the licensed contractor. jellytoast, thanks, we did it too on our last remodel. I like the idea of being here when the inspector comes over to make sure my subs are doing things properly. It makes sense for it to be in the homeowner's names. gladys1924, thanks for sharing your experience. sounds like it worked out well for you -- we are looking at a similar arrangement, and as Gaucho points out, having someone you trust on site is key. Trebruchet, we're not in FL so that's not an issue - the permit will be in our name....See MoreHow prepared do you need to be before hiring your GC?
Comments (7)I agree with kptwin...the more specific you can be, the better and more accurate your bid will be. And it will send a message to your GC that you know what you want, and tell him not to pull the wool over your eyes. Be very careful out there...there is more shoddy work by contractors than ever before. Take your time finding someone, get at least 5 bids, including design/build (but they are usually more expensive). Hold firm to your wants and needs, and don't budge if the GC cannot or will not give you the exact fixture or appliance brand you want. Just have him pull it from the bid or give you an allowance for it...then go and buy it yourself. In fact, you may be able to get most things cheaper than your GC can. Many GC's are heading in that direction nowadays...with the internet and GC supply houses that are open to the public, you can usually get his discount without his markup...all for being willing to do the research, pay the invoice, and bring the materials back to the job site. Saves him a lot of work and paperwork. Even if he doesn't charge you markup on materials, he'll make it up with higher labor charges. They will try to get their money somehow. The bigger stuff...like windows, doors, etc...you can work with him and see what he recommends. Be careful of certain large companies like Milgard which pay the biggest commissions and kickbacks to GC's. They are not necessarily the best windows, nor the cheapest. As for flooring, if it's wood, know exactly what species you'd like, as well as what grade and stain/finish. For other solid floorings, know what brand and color. Same for countertop materials. Check out Costco if there is one near you...you might be able to get cabinets/countertops, windows, blinds, closet systems, etc...much cheaper. And know exactly what paint brand and color you'd like him to use. The more you know, the less likely you'll end up with builder-grade materials....See MoreArchitect vs GC
Comments (6)Yes, my gc came recommended and for the most part, I trust him. It does worry me a that he would completely change the front entry of a two story house without so much as making a phone call to us or to the architect.... He just took it upon himself to make a major changes, which in the end I still don't quite understand... He thought it would "look" better, that is why he was going to change it. I was available and could have been there in 15 minutes, if he had called me. Luckily, I happened by that day and it could be fixed before he went any farther. I appreciate that he wanted my house to look good, but I would like him to run it past me before making changes to our plans that we have worked hard on. We've been in this house for 32 years, I've always disliked the entry and have put a lot of thought into this part of our remodel. The 5 windows alone being used around the front door are costing over $17,000. He was basically rearranging the windows for us. I also want to still be friends with the gc when the job is finished....See MorePermits / Notice of Corrrection/ Hiring GC to help
Comments (22)We had a home inspection before purchase by a great home inspector (and also separate sewer and chimney inspections as well). It is not the job of a private home inspector to research or verify permitting issues - there are even disclaimers on their contracts that state this. Our RE agent did look into permit history but we had no disclosure from the seller that they did work for which permits are required without the permits. Licensed RE agents are not required to know the ins and outs of the LADBS building codes. I understand that we may have a legal route to take but the reality is right now we need to do the work and get the permits. This is our house and we are now stuck with the correction notice. Beyond that, we can't wait until legal action is taken (it could take years) to fix this problem for the reasons indicated in my original post. I think we will be able to get the final permits from the trades who did work for us (small job plumbing + elec permits) once we straighten this whole thing out. I think we just have to keep looking until we find a qualified licensed GC willing to take the job. Someone out there needs the work and the paycheck. We can then work on pursuing the seller for reimbursement. This post was edited by tinyone22 on Fri, Aug 22, 14 at 12:36...See More- 7 years ago
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- 7 years ago
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