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Do I need a general contractor??
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Posted by stretchad (My Page) on Tue, Apr 15, 08 at 18:02
| I'm updating my kitchen in the next few months, and have mostly hung out on the Kitchens board. I notice that there are a lot of people with kitchen designers and general contractors over there, and I was wondering, do I need one too? I'm trying to do this on a pretty tight budget, which is why I plan to DIY as much as possible. DH and I have not done major home remodeling, just basics like installing a new light, but are keen on research and are engineering/technical minded...All in all, we're trying to stick around the 15k-17k budget for the whole thing
Here's what we plan to do in the kitchen:
1 - Remove existing counters and cabinets
2 - Remove soffits above cabinets, and finish ceiling (using a drywall contractor for finishing)
3 - Remove drop ceiling that currently houses flourescent light fixture (use drywall contractor to repair the ceiling)
4 - Install recessed & pendant lights (using an electrician)
5 - Install new IKEA cabinets in essentially the same configuration as current (DIY)
6 - Install granite countertops (Using a granite fabricator)
7 - Install new sink, garbage disposal, and faucet (Granite fabricator for the under mount sink, we'll handle the garbage disposal and the faucet)
8 - Install gas line up to kitchen (using a plumber)
9 - Install new refrigerator, range, and perhaps dishwasher
10 - Subway tile backsplash (DIY)
11 - Paint (DIY)
I feel like I would primarily want the general contractor as a consultant really, so that I could go to them with questions (how do I do X? Which electrician/drywaller should I use?)...
What do you think? GC necessary or not? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Do I need a general contractor??
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RE: Do I need a general contractor??
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The GC is more than a consultant and he's not going to share his subs with you. You'll be on your own to find someone in each trade and then explain to them what needs to be done and how you want it.
The drop ceiling is going to need a carpenter, drywall guy and an electrician. Are you able to be around to organize all these trades so that each step of the process is finished before the next sub comes in? The appliances can be installed by the people you buy them from. For such a small job, you'll probably have trouble finding a contractor to take on the work. But in today's economy, maybe not!
Instead, I'd check around for some of the Handyman/remodel businesses since this is right up their alley. We've used both..........it just depends on the size of the job. |
RE: Do I need a general contractor??
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| I agree w/annz. We're just finishing up a major remodel and would have been lost without our GC. Finding reliable labor is no small task. It also seems that many of the really good subs are reluctant to pick up small jobs here and there--they can't be sure of when and if they will be paid. It seems like the reall good subs stick with GCs they've worked with before. Despite a markup by the GC, we found that our costs were still 10-20% less that what we would have paid retail for some of our materials. Just something to think about. Also, you'll be ultimately responsible if one of your subs doesn't do something up to code. We DIYed a lot in our first home, now, with two kids, we just don't have the time or energy. Best of luck to you! |
RE: Do I need a general contractor??
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| No GC needed. The primary reason for using a General Contractor is for responsibility. To hold some one responsible if a problem arise during or after construction. It sound like you can hand the project yourself. So, go for it. |
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