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