UGH! Why do general contractors think they are Master carpenters?
jeanneteresa
last year
My builder forgot to have the carpenter for our new build put in the lock sets to our closet pocket doors..so he did it himself! Can anyone give me advice what to do now? This is a closet that I will be using at least twice a day…
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PROMark Bischak, Architect
last yearRelated Discussions
A general contractor when you cannot find the good subs?
Comments (1)When we bought our home, we had just moved to a new state and knew no one. Our house was a fixer and we DIY'd most of it ourselves, but when it came time to do the master bath, we opted to hire a contractor. We also had tough time finding someone and as a last resort decided to contract the job ourselves. Problem was, we were just as lost about how to find good people as we were when looking for a contractor. During a conversation with a tile salesman, I asked if they by any chance had some tilers they could refer to me. They did and that's what got the ball rolling for us. A few days later while I was interviewing the tiler (whom the salesman said was one of the busier ones) I casually asked if he knew of a good plumber. He gave me the name of a guy he worked with regularly who was a master plumber. So a few days later, that plumber came to quote the job and during our conversation, I asked him if he knew of a good carpenter. Same thing, he referred me to a guy he's worked with for years. The carpenter ended up being a licensed contractor with a small but busy business and eventually we hired him as a contractor to do our bathroom remodel. Before we did though, we had him do a couple of other smaller things to sort of "test the waters" and see what his work looked like. He's really good at what he does and now, the only one we call when we need something. I was asking these guys for referrals because I didn't know anyone locally to ask and the people I was getting from places like Angie's list were not a good match, but as it turned out, they were a really helpful and dependable resource. I asked the salesman who the busiest tiler was because to me that meant he was good enough to be in demand and when someone is good at what they do, it usually means they have a good work ethic as well. Maybe you can try a similar approach....See MoreAdvice from those that did NOT use a general contractor.
Comments (24)I agree with all the comments about time and sequencing of trades. That has been our biggest problem. Biggest positive aspect is that the kitchen is truly the way I wanted it - all mistakes are my mistakes. Good design is my good design, etc. The designer/finishing touches have been quite difficult for me but I'm mostly happy. Not sure I saved money. May have cost more money. Biggest issue for me has been confronting workmen when I think they have made a mistake or when they misunderstood my directions. (Try to put all directions in email or at least on paper). I don't think my personality is a good fit for this type of job, no matter how good the workers. We are coming down to the end. Our electrician who I like very much is slowing us down because of side projects he has. If I had it to do it over again, I think I would not be my own GC. I didn't get much help from my husband and all workers, no matter how nice seem to get to a "burnout phase" as they work on your project and they are ready to move on and the quality of their work begins to diminish greatly, no matter how good. That has been our experience, anyway. I think a GOOD GC would have kept workers in line better but then I wouldn't say I'm 100% confident that was true. Good luck. I think it's a crap shoot which ever way you go. May depend on what part of the country. Here in Texas on the Gulf Goast, good quality labor is in high demand so be prepared to wait in line for anyone good....See MoreDo I need a general contractor??
Comments (4)The GC is more than a consultant and he's not going to share his subs with you. You'll be on your own to find someone in each trade and then explain to them what needs to be done and how you want it. The drop ceiling is going to need a carpenter, drywall guy and an electrician. Are you able to be around to organize all these trades so that each step of the process is finished before the next sub comes in? The appliances can be installed by the people you buy them from. For such a small job, you'll probably have trouble finding a contractor to take on the work. But in today's economy, maybe not! Instead, I'd check around for some of the Handyman/remodel businesses since this is right up their alley. We've used both..........it just depends on the size of the job....See MoreUgh! Why can't I make up my mind?
Comments (12)All good advice. I just wasn't ready to shop for a new master bedroom set since we have plans to redo our masterbath and likely will recarpet etc the master bedroom but not right away. I bought a very nice quality set and it has stood the test of time. @LES917: I am in love with Walter E Smithe. Haven't been there in years. I really walked around saying I like that and that and that. My husband went too and appreciated being able to see and sit and touch and feel which we hadn't been able to do with a decorator. Turned out the man who helped us with the store general manager and senior designer. You get special treatment when you show up at 10am on a Monday morning. The store was ours. @karinl: yes, it isn't a matter of the money really this time it is what to do, and do ONCE. I think I am just tired of looking at the guest room waiting for me to finish it. It's been painted and crown molding installed since April. I will admit I prefer the bedroom pieces to match. Nowerdays even within the same collection there are variations in pieces. I don't want to spend time coordinating things from this or that collection. I am old school I guess (even at 41!)....See More
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