What do General contractors, project managers etc. do?
We’re planning a big restoration and renovation job on our 2 family brownstone and want to get the right team together. We’re novices at this, being apartment dwellers for most of our lives. I do get what the handyman, plasterer, electrician and plumbers do, and have these all lined up. But after following this site…
We’re planning a big restoration and renovation job on our 2 family brownstone and want to get the right team together. We’re novices at this, being apartment dwellers for most of our lives.
I do get what the handyman, plasterer, electrician and plumbers do, and have these all lined up.
But after following this site for some time, I see references to general contractors, project managers, masons, architects, engineers etc. Not sure what they all do and if we need all of these. Forgive me if this is a silly question, but I’d like some insight into who we will need to plan for. Any and all advice appreciated.
I advise you to hire a gc. Give it to one company and let them handle it all. It can be very stressfull trying to deal with all these guys of different trades. I’ve used moch contracting (917-642-0555}.
Thanks for the comments. We are already facing some of the logistical issues mentioned – drastically underestimating the time it takes to do what and what to do first, second, third etc. We do prefer to pick the tradepersons ourselves. But much to consider before we move forward further.
It is a mistake for the typical homeowner to try to assemble all of the tradesmen/subcontractors for a large renovation job. You need a General Contractor to organize and coordinate all of these subcontractors.
You need a GC because 1) they will know when each trade needs to come in and how to organize the job logistically. 2) The GC has to fix the mess if one of the subcontractors screws up. If you hire all of the subcontractors separately then when a problem happens (and problems always happen) they will all start pointing the finger at each other and you will wind up paying for and dealing with the mess.
GCs have their own subcontractors so they are not going to be willing to work with all of the tradesmen you have lined up.
Find a good GC and most of your problem will be solved.
You might also think about hiring an architect to help you design the project. Normally you would start working with an architect before you hire the GC.
An architect
You might want to try Wright Management and Consulting. They are a project management company. They do GREAT work. There is no charge to speak to them and they will give you great insight into your project even if you dont use them. Their email is kwright@thewrighthelp.com and their number is 9175446791.
Good Luck
Lindsay K.
If your assembling the team, it appears that you have nominated yourself as general contractor and project manager. Everyone else you mention may be needed to provide some level of expertise on the job, as your project moves along. If planning a big restoration and not experienced, you may want to consider hiring a GC or PM and allowing them to do all the remaining work on your behalf.