Can I GC This Way?

Thanks for these replies. I have a designer, and an engineer who can file the paperwork with the city for the permit and C of O. I think I understand what you mean about liability – I’ll talk with the contractor about this when I get to taking bids. It’s tricky because I guess I’m asking the contractor to take the responsibility for the job without taking his traditional percentage for the subs, in order to save myself money… this sounds selfish, yet it’s probably the only way I can afford to do all the work. We’re not moving walls (the place is totally gutted from last owner, just the bare exterior walls) but we will be putting in brand new systems, plumbing, elec, heating which currently don’t exist at all. Does anyone know of any websites or blogs that describe NYC regulations, insurance and liability in layman’s terms for renovation projects?

humboldt

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 8 months ago

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humboldt | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I am planning on GCing the renovation of 2 floors in my small 3 story building. I have lots of time and some construction knowledge, but not a lot of money. My plan is break the renovation into parts, ie, framing, plumbing (rough), elec, etc, and hire licensed, insured subcontractors (who carry workmens’ comp) as I need them. I will have the carpenter pull the building permit.   My understanding is that this way I do not need to obtain a GC’s license from the DOB, as I won’t be picking up the permit.   Does this sound right/legal/doable?

wkawalko | 13 years and 8 months ago

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But you will need architect to make plans and get permit from DOB

dazednconfused2 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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If the carpenter has a NYC DOB tracking number and can pull the permit you’ll need for the work, then yes, you can effectively GC the job.  As far as the DOB is concerened, your carpenter is the GC.   And yes, it sounds like you’ll need an architect to file the work with the DOB so the permit can be pulled.

jigman | 13 years and 8 months ago

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You can do this, but you are placing the liability squarely on the carpenter for the job as he will legally be the GC.  If I was him, I would not want to be in this position.   As a precaution (and to be fair to him) you should have his business listed on every one of the sub-contractor’s liability insurance certificate as “Additionally Insured”.  Your name should also be listed as additionally insured.

callalily | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Do you know all the subs you are going to use? What is your budget? I acted as GC, but we weren’t moving any walls or fixtures around. We were just restoring: Basement reinforcement, new boiler, whole house electrical upgrade, skim coating, floor refinishing, and some other small things. Our plumbers, electricians, and floor people were fantastic. Our carpenter was not, and it has caused us many problems and additional expenses now that we are redoing what he didn’t do properly. I tried calling many experienced people through referrals, but no one was available. Not sure what the moral of this story is. Ah! Get someone licensed and experienced with good referrals. That’s the moral. Sometimes you need to work with an architect to get the right person.