Bring Your Contractor Process

Mr. Sneaky,

You raise a really good question and one that I think is really worth exploring in depth. Having done what you are about to do let me throw a few things out there to consider. I offer these not as absolutes but just as food for thought.

First, don't overlook the role of the architect. You will hear a lot of negative stuff on this blog about architects but I think an architect touring a potential house with you is worth its weight in gold. You'll get a cursory look at structural issues, code issues as well as someone who can talk to you about the bones of the house, the flow of a house and give you a good sounding board for ideas you may be thinking. We first had an architect tour the homes we were looking at and then a contractor when we got closer to an offer and a contract. Something to consider. My vote: Definitely an architect early and a contractor when you are in contract.

Another point worth considering is separating the contractor who goes on the sales tour versus the contractor who actually does the renovation. I think this could go both ways. You could make a good case to have them separate--a contractor you are paying but you may not consider a job may really let it out and give you their real opinion as opposed to positioning themselves for a job down the road. Of course, having the same person provided continuity, etc. In the end, we split the process--the person we paid to tour the house during the sales process was not the person who did the renovation. By the way, that was not because we didn't like the contractor it was just that we got more comfortable with

Posted by: guest at July 10, 2008 5:17 PM