Why spend money on a third-party contractor? Construct your dwelling.
You know how these tales end…
I lost track of the contractor who earned $100,000 on this job.
It required an extra year to finish the job.
The project ended up costing double what was anticipated…My subcontractors have disappeared.
Why not just do everything yourself and pocket the contractor’s fee? Yes, but can you take the truth with grace?
The general contractor’s (GC’s) or builder’s responsibility also includes overseeing the work of any subcontractors. The general contractor (GC) contracts with the owner, while the subcontractor (sub) contracts with the GC (example: a plumber). Consequently, the GC’s contract with the plumber is a “sub” contract, subordinate to the GC’s contract with the owner. One of the contractor’s fundamental responsibilities is to manage the work of the dozens or hundreds of subcontractors that contribute to constructing a single custom home.
So, what characteristics should prospective clients look for in a builder?
Relationships
A reputable builder will have developed solid working ties with their vendors and subcontractors over many years. Trust, mutual comprehension, and agreement are all necessary ingredients in such a relationship. Do you have any experience employing others? Understanding that person’s capabilities and limitations requires time. Construction companies are in the same boat. Managing several subcontractors requires keeping track of their schedules, ensuring they have suitable materials, and getting paid.
Expertise
While a “non-professional” can certainly hire subcontractors and purchase materials, they will likely have a more difficult time understanding the full scope of the construction process.
I think I might be able to master brain surgery as well. You might be my first patient, but I’m unsure whether you want to be!!
Becoming an expert takes over 10,000 hours of practice, according to Dr. K. Anders Ericsson, a Conradi Eminent Scholar and Professor of Psychology at Florida State University and one of the world’s leading theoretical and experimental researchers on expertise.
Professional level: 10,000 hours, 250 weeks at 40 hours per week, or five years.
Become an expert technician in a field that requires only 5,000 hours of practice.
Superior – after putting in 2,000 hours, you’ll be a pro
No formal training or experience in a field; a layperson
Expertise in the Building Code and local rules and regulations, human resources, management, legal issues, safety, and political awareness are all necessary components of a successful building project.
Activity Flow
Ever heard of a building project that ran over its allotted time? Sadly, it appears to be the norm rather than the exception. Have you seen “The Money Pit” (which, if you haven’t, you really should)? “Two weeks” is always the standard response to the inquiry of how long something will take. Some shady contractors are to blame, without a doubt. The client, however, is not without accountability. Lack of adequate information is the primary cause of project delays (presuming an attentive and experienced constructor is running the show). There is insufficient detail in the plans. The proprietor has not made a final choice.
The effects of a change or disruption in the ordinary course of employment can be disastrous. Interest, overhead, and rental expenses all rise directly to the time a project takes. A competent “helmsman” is essential for a successful operation. A custom-built house will inevitably undergo some modifications, but the less, the better. The contractor must guide the appropriate transformation through the project’s design, permitting (if required), pricing, scheduling, and execution when a change occurs.
It is crucial to recognize the differences between the roles of general contractors and subcontractors. If a sub works five, ten, or twenty jobs simultaneously, and one is delayed or changed, it costs them time and money. A common pitfall for incompetent contractors is failing to plan the work properly or to have the necessary equipment and materials on hand.
Quality
A good contractor isn’t just someone who knows how to keep things moving; they also understand every step of the building and (ideally) designing process. The contractor must be well-versed in all aspects of construction, from the basics of laying a solid foundation (such as rebar clearance) to the finer points of using quarter-sawn, rift-cut, rigid, or softwood. What factors into a successful waterproofing system for a retaining wall or tile installation? Methods vary depending on local conditions and climate.
The contractor is responsible for keeping up with the ever-evolving building rules. He must also keep the construction site secure and ensure all subcontractors do the same.
Home construction is not exactly rocket science, but like any other occupation, it appears more straightforward than it is. There are a lot of helpful books out there if you want to build your own house. Consider exploring alternate construction strategies, such as working with a constructor on a consulting basis or employing a seasoned construction manager. No matter what route you take, it’s essential to be prepared. To have the bespoke home you want, hiring a contractor will still need you to make many decisions.
Have fun!
Subcontractors: A Selected List
Alarm
Archeologist
Removal of Asbestos
Mini-Excavator and Bobcat
Cabinets for Taking Out Wasp Nests
Carpet Chimney Sweep Concrete
Repairing Damaged Concrete
Concrete Pilings with a Concrete Core
Blocks of Reinforced Concrete Used as Retaining Walls Walls
Decking
Drainage
Drywall
Electricians
Engineers
Digging and framing, then fencing and finishing, then a fireplace. Masonry
Safety Sprinklers
Carport Gates
Geologist Grading
Fix-It Handyman
Solid Wood Floors
Heated and cooled air is provided via a system known as HVAC.
Boiling water tubs
Home Decoration
Insulation
Sprayed-on Fiberglass
Mold Testing for Kitchen Designs
Landscaping
Upkeep of Outdoor Spaces
Tree and Landscaping Maintenance
Wood Vendor
Voltage: Low
Computer Phone
Warning Sounds and Images
Control Panels for the Home
Storage and Transportation of Masonry
Reporting on Native Americans
Storage Tanks For Petroleum
Painting – Decorative Painting
Pest Removal
Plumbing Pools
Radiation-Based Guardrails
Holding Walls
Roof Trusses and Sealants for Screening
Retrofitting for Seismicity
Metal Walls and Roofs for Sewers
Unique Goods
Sauna
Concealed Areas
Vinegar Vaults
Sprinklers
Energy from the Sun
Fabricators of Solar-Thermal Stone
Stucco Surveyors
Dumping and Hauling
Tile Installation Supply
Waterproofing
Providing Windows and Doors
Over the past 30 years, Otis Bradley has been an addictive custom home builder.
Check out our blog at http://OnlineCustomHomeBuilder.com for more free resources.
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This piece may be published in its entirety with attribution to the author. Otis Bradley, Proprietary Notice.
Justify the cost of hiring a contractor. DIY House Construction.
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