justiceforall's Profile
- R
- 1998
- 2005
- Brooklyn
- Dyker Heights
- House
- Male
- Old enough to know better
Author's Posts
September 15, 2007
Being your own GC...You'll save money...but can U handle the task
Sure you will save money. Generally if a GC doesn't have a specific trade on staff, he will sub contract the job. Yes, he will take a piece of the subs $$ and the cost to you will go up. If your thinking of becoming your own GC here are some things you should know:
1-you should have the time to do frequent site visits, make follow-up calls and schedule the contractors 2-different trades require different times to complete projects, in scheduling always add a few days in between each stage (this will keep you sane...trust me) 3-don't schedule a stage if the materials are not on hand (cabinets, sinks, doors...whatever). If you schedule a contractors time and the materials don't come in, the contractor will have to change his schedule (and he won't be happy). Ultimately, he won't respect your time because "YOU" didn't respect his. Then when he states he will be there on a specific date, he probably will be less likely to make it a point to show up. His thoughts, you didn't care about his schedule. If timetables slip (and as sure as the sky is blue...they will), communicate with him ASAP. 4-Know your products and procedures! Just because you don't know how to use hand or power tools, doesn't mean you should not be familiar with the products or procedures. There are plenty of online resources to help you. You would be surprised at manufacturers web sites and tech support. Knowledge is power (and besides it can save you from a bad installation if you know the methodology and can see the process) 5-pick your contractors by trade. Each trade should be specific to that trade. Don't hire the cabinet installer to do the backsplash electric or the painter to install the lighting fixtures and the plumber shouldn't be installing the tile. They all say the know somebody...that just means they are going to take a cut or it is a friend that will not point out the others mistakes. Keep them separate...like Church and State!
Overall, you will save money. You will have to be "on point". Many phone calls, interviews, inspections and frequent research. You will learn alot. But patience will be needed.
The rule of thumb when you are your own GC is.....if you think it will take a week...double it!!!
My next post will be about "References...Believe it or not"
I give you some secrets that will help keep the contractors honest.
Good Luck...Stay Sharp
September 14, 2007
What you should know when hiring a contractor
I will stay anonymous for two reasons: 1) i don't want to self promote (in fact I won't mention my business) and 2) other trades people and GC's won't like what I am about to say.
1-no matter how desperate you are, don't hire the first contractor that shows up at your door. 2-ask for his "detailed" quote in writing, anything discussed should be in writing 3-if a contractor gives you a ballpark figure over the phone, RUN AWAY!!!! (anyone I know won't do it, they want to see whats involved. As good as you may be in explaining it..you wouldn't be calling them if you could do it yourself). Let them look at it. At that time you can judge if they are a good fit for your needs. No warm Fuzzy feeling when meeting them...say "see ya". A good contractor will listen, take notes and ask questions.
4-if you give them a deposit upfront...you are a "FOOL", I will say it again...YOU ARE A FOOL. If a contractor says he needs it for supplies..that tells me two things...he either can't manage his money/business properly or he thinks your a "FOOL". He is in business. If he can't afford your materials, what will he do if his tools break, ask you to pay for it? If the job is that material intense, ask if you can purchase them. You'll save the mark-up but will have something if he skips out on you.
Why I am writing:
As I have been in the "business" for many years now, I see nice people get screwed often. I guess I am not filthy rich because of a conscience. I will start writing on different topics everyweek to help get through what should be an exciting time (improving your home). Tomorrow I will discuss GC licencing and insurance.
Good Luck...Stay Sharp
Author's Comments
That is the GC license for NYC. It's just a diff name. It is administered by Dept. of consumer affairs.
Check a valid Home Improvement License at
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/license_check.shtml
Good Luck
Posted by: justiceforall at September 14, 2007 6:49 PM in response to General Contractor's License
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
A Home Improvement License is required for contractors working on 1, 2, and 3 family homes.
General Contractors, however, are not required to have a license, if they are working for landlords, or in commercial buildings, and the like.
The Home Improvement License is mainly to protect individual home owners that have no experience with contractors and the construction process.
Posted by: guest at October 6, 2007 4:54 AM in response to General Contractor's License
To Quest,
In all walks of life there are good and bad. Unfortunately, in the "City of Opportunity...NYC" there are many contractors out there with one goal in mind..make money at any cost to YOU. Take many interveiws with contractors, review there references (read my article on references tomorrow), check there work. On the interview, ask alot of questions, take notes (they can be used on questioning other potentials), listen to the answers...verify a procedure or method the GC wants to use via the web.
And you should get the "Warm Fuzzy Feeling" when you interview the right GC.
Good Luck...Stay Sharp
Posted by: justiceforall at September 15, 2007 9:59 AM in response to What you should know when hiring a contractor