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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
We plan on doing our extension next year. Expending our LR into the backyard.
We will be redoing all the windows, siding and roof at the same time.
I am concidering doing the central AC at the same time too.
Should I see different contractors for each (like roofer, and AC guys, siding, etc..) or have the remodeling company doing the extension do it all?
I think it could be "cheaper" to go individually but the logistic could be a nightmare if anyone is behind.
Message edited 12/28/2011 6:03:28 PM.
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Posted 12/28/11 6:03 PM  |
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SecretTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 6/08 2284 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
It should be cheaper to use one contractor. It will also make life easier if you pick the right person.
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| Posted 12/28/11 10:20 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
That would mean that you would be the General Contractor. There's a reason they get paid well....  The amount of work to coordinate schedules, interview and select sub contractors, etc, is a nightmare. If anything goes wrong with anything, it's your fault. With a GC, if anything goes wrong it's HIS fault. Most GCs have been in the industry for many years, so they know who is good and who isn't. They know where to get the best deals, and how to coordinate schedules.
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| Posted 12/29/11 1:04 AM |
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MrsFlatbread
Skinny jeans are in my future
Member since 6/06 10258 total posts
Name:
Baby Momma
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
i would gp with one contracting company
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| Posted 12/29/11 9:47 AM |
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Jenhos
Maeve
Member since 6/05 3273 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
I would stick with one contractor.
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| Posted 12/29/11 9:59 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
Posted by SecretTTCer
It should be cheaper to use one contractor. It will also make life easier if you pick the right person.
This was the case with our renovation.
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| Posted 12/29/11 10:54 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
Thanks!
I thought we would stick to one company to do the whole remodeling.
But then I was wondering if it was better/cheaper to split it.
OK... I need to stop 2nd guessing!
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| Posted 12/29/11 11:15 AM |
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Dulcinea
Weekend Warrior
Member since 3/08 2530 total posts
Name:
Dulcinea
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
If I were you, I would use a GC, but do a price comparison by also getting estimates for big items like windows, roofing, electrical, plumbing (more importantly the first 2), and see how much you can save.
GC's are notorious for padding the cost on subcontractors' work. Ie, electrical work may cost 3000, but a GC may charge you $500-1000 on top of that...
Also, if you're unhappy with your GC, you may be screwed if he does everything.
I'm currently remodeling my kitchen and bath and actually hired my electrician and plumber separately. It does involve some coordination on your end, but might be worth it if you can save a few grands.
Or you can just give your subcontractor's contact info to the GC so he can contact them on his own...
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| Posted 12/29/11 11:41 AM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Sticking with same contractor or multiple one
Posted by Dulcinea
If I were you, I would use a GC, but do a price comparison by also getting estimates for big items like windows, roofing, electrical, plumbing (more importantly the first 2), and see how much you can save.
GC's are notorious for padding the cost on subcontractors' work. Ie, electrical work may cost 3000, but a GC may charge you $500-1000 on top of that...
Also, if you're unhappy with your GC, you may be screwed if he does everything.
I'm currently remodeling my kitchen and bath and actually hired my electrician and plumber separately. It does involve some coordination on your end, but might be worth it if you can save a few grands.
Or you can just give your subcontractor's contact info to the GC so he can contact them on his own...
This is good advice. Always get quotes. Doing it all with the GC will not be any cheaper as the GC will definitely pad his pocket on the cost since he is putting his name on it.
Also if you bring in some of your own subcontractors there is nothing wrong with that. Just realize there may be tension between the GC and "your people", especially if things start to go wrong. There may be a lot of finger pointing.
With my dormer, I used my own kitchen guy, AC guy, security consultant, and painter. I used the GC's mason, garage door tech, electrician, and plumber.
My kitchen guy did a great job (Dymanic Kitchens vendor on here). My AC guy did an OK job but had issues with my GC and AC guy working together. My painter did a lousy job and I had to kick him off the job (so I looked bad with this). My security guy did a good job.
So it's really your call. I am glad I brought in my own people. Let me also say I am having HUGE issues with my GC's plumber right now trying to get them back in to fix noise I am having with my heating pipes. His plumber screwed up in so many ways. So just because you use your GC's people, doesn't guarantee no issues.
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| Posted 12/29/11 1:19 PM |
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