working with contractor if we want to do some work ourselves

My husband and I are planning to redo our kitchen and bathroom. We are pretty handy and can do some of the work ourselves but wouldn’t dare to attempt some projects. I am in the process of interviewing contractors – what’s the best way to negotiate this? Basically, I want the contractor to deal with installing the big stuff (cabinets) and I want to do the finish work. I would also love for the contractor to purchase everything to get the trade discount. Anyone been through this?

mimimimi

in DIY 12 years and 4 months ago

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norththirdscott | 12 years and 4 months ago

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Small job and you probably won’t get a trade discount. However, I ordered quite a bit of my fixtures and was able to avoid a contractor markup. My contactor made all my cabinetry and installed them. I  purchased the counter and sinks. He actually helped me select the pieces to save money and told me where to buy. I was able to paint the kitchen myself after he put up the walls. The contractor is quite good and very reliable: Gerald at Brooklyn Modern. His email is gerald@brooklynmodern.com

Rick | 12 years and 4 months ago

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It sounds like you would be better off working with small time contractor or a handyman. I’m not sure you would get a “trade discount” on such a small job from a GC. However you could save the mark up by purchasing materials yourself.