What's the difference between general contractor and home builder?
Adeena
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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One Devoted Dame
6 years agoRelated Discussions
General Contractor's Sub-Contractors Damaged Windows and Flooring
Comments (5)My sympathies! We noticed that the subs on our build had no respect whatsoever for another's work. Our building supervisor visited the house maybe a couple of times the 2nd month 2 x the 3rd month and after that we had to schedule appointments with him to look at work done or not done! We bought builders paper and painters tape to cover the floors in our house, after repeated requests to the supervisor and builder. We had to do the same for the light fixtures, sinks and toilets (taping them closed). I don't know if these subs treat their own homes the same way they treated ours but SLOVENLY is too kind a word!...See MoreBuilder vs. General Contractor
Comments (3)In my area, a builder and GC are the same thing. They are paid to coordinate the overall build, and all the sub contractors. I think what you are asking is whether to do a self build. We are doing a self build, or, we are owner-builders. We have hired my brother-in-law, who is an experienced GC, having built a few homes in the past, and almost 20 years experience in the construction industry. He's more of a foreman, or a consultant, though. If he was officially the GC, then all the trades would contract to him. He would have to pay them, and then submit a bill to us, with his own markup. He didn't want to put him in the position of having to pay out of his own pocket and being reimbursed. So the trades are contracting to us directly, and BIL is around for oversight and advice. We are also using his contacts, and his name, to let the trades know we aren't dumbass rich people ripe for being taken advantage of. (We're neither rich, nor stupid.) But he's not the GC, because he's not signing any checks. If I call up a foundation company and mention that he's my GC, they no longer want to talk to me, they want to talk to him. It's possible other areas have different terms, and maybe you would call BIL a GC. It's definitely harder to do it this way. I don't have another job right now, and this build is quickly becoming a full time job. I spend my week days calling dozens of trades. I have to call at least 10 companies to get 3 bids for every piece. Excavating, surveying, foundation, framing, siding, roofing, windows, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas hookup, drywall, ... Last week, I visited every tile wholesaler showroom in the city, at least twice, looking for the tile for my bathrooms. I visited 2 window places. This week, I need to harass framers again (I don't have a single quote for framing, and they all want at least 2 months notice), I will hopefully be onsite when they dig a hole, I need to call bathroom fixtures people, track down a front door supplier, finalize the window order, and get the cribbers lined up to hopefully start next week. And that's assuming nothing comes up that throws a wrench in the plans. I spend my evenings online, preparing for the calls I need to make the next day, and discussing the build with DH. If we'd hired a builder, I'd probably just be shopping for bathroom fixtures, and being pissed at the builder for not having a hole yet. It's hard to say which way would be better for staying on budget. If we'd hired a builder, and we weren't really specific on everything from day 1, then there would probably be budget overruns from things I add later. And additions generally cost more when a builder is adding on his markup, or has to return things he already bought. But, having all the costs in front of me, and writing checks weekly, I'm a lot more careful to choose less expensive fixtures, and not add things that are going to affect what's already been purchased. On the other hand, a builder knows a lot better what it costs to dig a hole, or build a 2 story wall, so the budget would probably have been better set to begin with....See MoreDebating between two home builders. Please share your opinions.
Comments (36)b w: I hope I didn't come across as blunt! I tried to convey some advice that was economical and practical. Last year, we purchased 4 acres and in a few weeks, the small, old house and dilapidated barn that are on the land will be demolished - and soon the foundation for our new house will be poured. We have spent a ridiculous amount of hours going over house plans - ourselves, with the builder and with the house designer - it becomes like a second full-time job, without the pay! We have learned so much and feel that we have planned for a pretty high-quality home without being extravagant or blowing money. You have to decide on the needs of your family and your every day activities. If you absolutely want a master on the 1st floor, do it. If you do not care about a big foyer space, do what you like - you may have the kind of lifestyle where only a few guests per year use the front door! When you build a house, it's probably the biggest expense/investment of your life, and the last thing you want to do is move in and say, "I wish the powder room would've been closer to (wherever)". Take the TIME now to analyze details, not regret them when you move in....See MoreWhat is the price difference between an outdated and updated home?
Comments (7)A two year old appliance out of warranty can always break just as quick as a 12 yr old appliance, and paint is cheap. If your market is hot, there won't be a price difference, and like others said it depends how long it's been sitting. Look at the sales history (zillow) and see if it's a flip which they paid considerably less a year ago than the asking price now. Some can run from 50% and up to 200% more higher, I see it every day. A smart buyer sees this and can offer less knowing the seller will be happy to make 75% instead of 82% more. Beware! As an HOA you could be walking into a money pit. Request a copy of the monthly HOA meeting minutes going back a year. Look for upcoming special assessments and discussions to raise to HOA fees to catch up on reserves. Reserves are collected to replace the roof, rebuild the pool, parking lot, ect. and residents may of voted NO on projects for years. I strongly suggest reviewing the HOA's budget to look at reserve balances for each project which comes up every 20 or 30 years. If the roof and parking lot looks bad for example see it the HOA fees have been covering the future replacement cost. I looked at some condos Last fall with $150 HOA fees, and just saw them today with $350 HOA fees. It's appears the HOA voted to raise it the 1st of the year. Could you afford another $200 or $300 a month? See what's coming up by reading the minutes. Has the fee been updated for the huge property tax bill coming? I've see residents get hit with a $5,000 special HOA fee before and nothing new. All I'm saying is do your due diligence to see what hidden costs are coming your way. They could be a lot more than a new carpet or frig....See MoreAdeena
6 years agoarthurpym
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6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoSarah Rose
4 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
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4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
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4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
4 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
4 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
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4 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
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