Have you ever been your own general contractor?

[Lux Et Veritas Academy]

Thinking about building a new house-

 

Have you ever been your own General Contractor?

 

What was your experience?

 

Did you save money?

 

What are the pros and cons based on your experience?

 

Would you do it again?

 

Is it possible if you don't have any building experience?

[Liz CA]

Thinking about building a new house-

 

Have you ever been your own General Contractor?

 

What was your experience?

 

Did you save money?

 

What are the pros and cons based on your experience?

 

Would you do it again?

 

Is it possible if you don't have any building experience?

 

1. Yes, dh was GC when he built

 

2. Overall went pretty smoothly

 

3. Yes, a General Contractor would have cost a bundle

 

4. Dh was not able to be on the jobsite while the workers were there.

He had to communicate to another "lead" guy in order to get everything

scheduled and done the way he wanted it.

 

5. If he were to do it over again, he said he would have framed the house

himself instead of having it done and saved more money. Yes, he would

do it again and be even more involved.

 

6. This is where I would hesitate. Dh has a degree in Construction

Management and was also a carpenter before he went to university.

I personally - with no building experience whatsoever - would not do it

but I am a woman with absolutely no bend that way.

A man who may not be an expert in building may still know enough to

direct a crew and see when something is right or wrong.

There was also a book - something about "contracting yourself when

building". I am sure you can google it or find something on Amazon.

This should give you at least an idea if this is feasible for you or not.

Edited August 3, 2010 by Liz CA

[Aggie]

What is YOUR experience in this area? :001_smile:

 

How much time to you have to devote to this job?

 

If you make a mistake, will you be able to recoup the time and money involved?

 

Would you pour the concrete or frame the house to save money?

 

Do you have stock in Bayer aspirin? :D

 

My dad owned a lumber yard for years and worked with GCs. He also worked with a few families who insisted they could do it themselves to save money. From what he says, it is a job for someone with experience. This is, after all, a major investment for you. His advice is hire a professional if you want a professional job done.

 

As soon as I post, someone will tell you that you can do this. ;) I wouldn't cut this corner, though.

[Catherine]

It involved moving a window, tearing out everything down to the joists, and installing tile over pipes that were closer to the floor than we anticipated.

 

It's very important that you have a crystal clear idea of what you want if you are going to do it. It's also important to work with builders you already know and trust, whenever possible. Both our plumber and tile guy on this bathroom had already done work for me and I trusted them. WE lucked out with out carpenter who moved the window-did a fabulous job, on time.

[lea1]

We were planning to be our own GC but have now decided to hire someone to do it for cost-plus. I will still officially be the GC and will be helping out a lot but he will be on-site at least 4 days a week, ensuring things are done right.

 

There is a book by Carl Heldmann called Be Your Own House Contractor that is very good and he also has a web site with tons of information on it. He answers questions on his web site and also has an architect who answers questions.