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First consider the timeline and
money it WILL take in the building process ...
A general contractor's main job is
to manage and efficiently schedule various phases and material
shipments to move the project along at a steady pace.
Extra building time means your expected
expenses will linger longer, i.e.:
- interest on the construction loan
and the mortage or rent of where you live during construction
- heat (especially if it is not dry
walled)
- insurances
- wear and tear of the exposed house
and materals
- storage
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AND
if you decide to call it quits and
get a general contractor, it will cost you some extra labor to
get things in order and/or repaired.
Insurances and licenses ... do you
have them?
Can you read blueprints? This is someone's
full time job.
Do you have the flexibility to leave
at a moment's ntice to tackle conflicts of:
- blueprints
- scheduling inspectors
- checking work is done and paying subcontractors
- going to various meetings
- shopping for finishes
Scheduling of Various Phases of
Work
All owners of subcontracting businesses need to schedule jobs
in advance; if your job falls behind and a subcontractor cannot
start, he may skip over you and start another job. A general
contractor who uses the same subs has some govern as the subcontractor
knows there is guaranteed work in the future with the general
contractor.
Material Control
Do you know what to order and when?
If you think you are saving some money
on the retail end, please conisder all other costs:
- shipping and delivery
- unloading costs
- storage costs
Storing it on the job site will cost
you as well ... someone will have to move it at least 3 times,
working around it will cost you more in labor as well, plus damage
possibilities.
What if something is received but not
paid for?
Product Assessment
The general contractor has numerous years of experience doing
his homework on materials and has gained knowledge about the
products on the market, what is worth the price, what products
you are just paying for the name brand; as well as who has the
best pricing and customer service. As with the subcontractors,
vendors know they will get repeat business from a general contractor
and is willing to owrk with them on pricing and scheduling.
A word about Home Depot and other discount
and kitchen design centers ...
Communication is difficult as most sales people are not professionals
and need to refer to someone else. Their installers do not work
for them, they are subcontracted.
COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION REFERS
YOU TO QUALITY INSTALLERS AND DESIGNERS.
A LOW BID SHOULD NECESSITATE
COMPARISONS TO THE OTHER BIDS.
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