PROS AND CONS OF BEING YOUR OWN GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Do-it-yourself is an excellent way to take on many home improvement projects. Today, thanks to the availability of building materials and information that is friendly to DIYers, homeowners can take on heavy and complex projects previously reserved for a specialist and general contractor, such as floor installation, wall removal, and window replacement. You can save money by doing your own remodeling. It is also a rewarding experience to see the results of all your hard work.

What is the extent of the “do-it-yourself” approach to larger-scale projects like being your own general contractor? It’s not just about using a saw or hammer, but also managing people. This can be a difficult and complex home improvement task.

An architect’s services can be very helpful. They have a lot of experience with the building department. They may have preferred subcontractors and suppliers. They can help you decide if a project will be too complex for you.

The Benefits of Owning Your General Contractor for Home Improvement

Saving Money

Saving money on home renovations is a major factor in the popularity of do-it-yourself projects.

You can save money by doing certain tasks yourself.

The amount of money that you can save if you act as your own general contractor can be staggering. If you assume a 20-percent commission on a $200,000 major room addition, then acting as your contractor will save you $40,000

You can use the money you save to upgrade your home or to make repairs and remodels. Or, you can spend it on other items you want, like vacations, school fees, vehicles, etc.

Create a contact list

You can build a list of contacts by acting as your contractor. This will include the names and contact details of individuals and companies who may be able to help you with future projects such as painting, installing windows, flooring, or landscaping.

You will need to hire many different trades in order to be your own contractor. These include plumbing, electrical work, flooring, painting, and more. You’ll be able to build a list of skilled tradesmen for future projects after you become your own contractor.

After completing a major remodeling project as the general contractor, a homeowner will rarely have to look for professionals to finish similar projects in the future. When you need to find other professionals, having established relationships with subcontractors will help you get more references. For example, your drywall contractor may know a trustworthy house painter.

Better Control

You will always be at the mercy of a general contracting firm, no matter how much they intend to or promise to carry out your wishes.

The translation is always a problem, even in the best of contractor-client relationships. You can control every aspect of a project by acting as your contractor.

The old saying “With great power, comes great responsibility” is true when you are your own contractor. You are more responsible for any problems that arise if you have more control over the project.

More Flexibility

As a local general contractor in Myrtle Beach, you can adapt the project to meet your needs, style, and schedule. You do have some flexibility when you hire a contractor. The schedule, however, is the most important factor. You want the project to be completed on time, but it is up to your contractor to do so.

If you do the work yourself, you can extend a small bathroom remodel that takes two weeks to six months or even a whole year. This type of flexible scheduling is useful if money is tight. It allows you to complete a project when you can afford it.

Cons of being your own contractor

It is also important to note that taking on the role of a general contractor can be a very difficult task. Some homeowners have been so frustrated by the difficulties that they vow to never attempt such work again without a professional contractor.

Significant Learning Curve

It may appear that contractors are merely behind the phone scheduling tradespeople. Even if this were true, the experience they have in scheduling and overseeing workers is still invaluable. Contractors like those from Dawol Homes often have years of hard-earned experience. You can purchase years of experience by paying the contractor commission.

You can’t imagine how valuable it is to have a general contractor with a large list of contacts, including masonry professionals, carpenters and electricians.

You may find that it is more difficult (and often more expensive) to hire subcontractors than you would for a general contractor who has a long-established relationship.

You may not have access to the same building materials or appliances as your general contractor. The general contractor is usually responsible for disposing of demolition materials. If you are the general contractor yourself, you’ll need to take care of this yourself.

No network of connections

Experience brings professional connections. You are not allowed to join the social and professional networks of seasoned contractors. A well-respected general contractor with experience can speed up processes that are slow for ordinary homeowners.

You may not be able to get immediate help if you are a homeowner. Your plans might also be scrutinized. A contractor who has been in the office for a while may find it easier.

The same language is used by building officials and contractors. Many contractors and building officials have friendly relationships. They may see each other more than once a month. A general contractor who has a good history with the building inspector’s office may receive concessions and benefits that homeowners do not.

Subcontractors who are good also prefer to work with general contractors they know well. It makes sense for tradespeople to provide preferential treatment to those they work with constantly–especially individuals, like contractors, who can bring them more business.

Contracting Is Stressful

Home improvement projects can be a huge strain on relationships and families.

Paying the commissions to the general contractors will protect you from the worst aspects of remodeling your home. Families and couples are happier when they have some time away from long-term projects, like building an addition.

Managing all of the subcontractors by yourself can be a source of additional stress. The task of confronting a professional in the building trade with scheduling or quality issues is not easy. Working with a general contractor in Myrtle Beach will help you to handle all necessary confrontations.

Time Management

No matter how big or small the project is, it can be stressful if you have a deadline. You may have plenty of time if you’re remodeling a basement kitchen or guest bedroom.

If you’re remodeling only one kitchen, then time is crucial. The project should be completed as quickly as possible. If your kitchen is not working, you will have to eat frozen meals or take out every day.

If you want to remodel the only bathroom you have in your house, you will need to finish the job quickly. This can be difficult if you are the general contractor. When a homeowner attempts to manage a project, it is not unusual for a project that a general contractor could complete in a matter of weeks to take months.

When should you be your own general contractor?

You can save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by acting as your own general contractor for major renovations and building projects. These savings can come at a price in terms of stress and time management. They may even affect the quality of work. Do not take on this role until you have thoroughly weighed up the pros and cons and are confident about your abilities.

You can be your own contractor if you are willing to learn how to do the work. The project cannot have a strict timetable.

Start small if you plan to become your own general contractor. Start with a small bathroom renovation to get an idea of how to organize and schedule the different sub-projects and work with the tradespeople.

Call Dawol Homes now if you’re looking for a custom home builder in Myrtle Beach.

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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859

Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859

We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation

HOW CAN YOU HIRE THE RIGHT GENERAL CONTRACTOR?

These are his top 8 tips to help you choose a general contractor Myrtle Beach SC.

Get Recommendations for General Contractor Myrtle Beach SC

Begin with family members and friends, then contact the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to get a list of members from your area. Talk to an inspector who will know which contractors meet the code. Tom Silva, general contractor at This Old House, suggests that you also visit your local lumberyard. They regularly see contractors and are able to tell which contractors buy high-quality materials and pay their bills on schedule.

Conduct phone interviews

Dawol Homes suggests that once you have a list, you call each prospect and ask these questions:

• Are they willing to take on your project?
• Do they want to provide financial references that come from their banks or suppliers?
• Do they have a list of clients that they have served?
• What other projects could they be working on simultaneously?
• What is the average time they have worked with subcontractors?

These questions will tell you about the company’s reliability, availability, ability to pay attention to your project, and how smooth the work will be.

Meet Face to Face

Take the telephone interviews and pick 3-4 contractors to meet face-to-face for further discussion and estimates. This also applies to custom home builders. You should feel comfortable asking questions and feeling at ease. Tom suggests that communication is key because the contractor will be visiting your home for many hours at a stretch. Don’t let your personality fool you. Before you hire a contractor, check with your state’s consumer agency and the Better Business Bureau to ensure that they haven’t had any disputes with clients or subcontractors.

Explore the Facts

Once you have narrowed down your list, it’s time to put your research into action. Ask former clients for feedback and to see the final product of their  new home construction. Tom warns that you should not rely solely on the results. You should also visit the job site to see how the contractor operates. Is the job site clean and safe? Are the workers respectful of the property?

Make plans, get bids

Now you have a short list of home builders with clean track records and an ethical work ethic. It’s now time to look forward and not back at the past. Contractors will need to have a set of blueprints, as well as a good idea of the homeowners’ expectations and budget. Ask everyone to breakdown the costs of materials, labor and profit margins in order to compare bids. Materials account for 40% of total costs. Overhead and the typical profit margin are 15 to 20%.

Create a payment schedule

A payment schedule is an important tip when hiring contractors. A contractor’s work ethic as well as financial situation can be reflected in their payment schedules. They may ask for half of the bid upfront, or they might be concerned that you won’t pay the remainder after they have seen the work. A schedule for large projects usually includes 10 percent at contract sign, three equal payments of 25% over the project’s duration, and a check for the remaining 15% when you feel that every item has been completed.

Don’t Let Price Be Your Guide

Tom says, “Don’t accept a low bid.” “This general contractor is likely cutting corners or even worse, very desperate to work,” says Tom. This is not a good sign for a thriving economy. Comfort should be as important or more than technical competence in when making a decision. Communication between you and your contractor is the most important aspect of selecting a general contractor. It’s best to spend more on a contractor you really feel comfortable with.

It should be written

A contract should detail all of the steps of project. It should include a schedule of payment, evidence for liability insurance and the worker’s compensation payments, a beginning date and the expected completion dates; the specific materials to be used and a requirement for the contractor to obtain lien releases (which will protect you if he fails to pay his bills). Tom assures that insisting on a clear contract does not mean you are putting your trust in others. It’s about ensuring a successful renovation.

Remember that once a change is made, or a problem is discovered, the cost of the project will increase and get longer. These are the four most costly words in English. “While you’re at It ….”

Call Dawol Homes now if you are looking for a custom home builder for your new home construction. 

Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
http://www.dawolhomes.com/
info@dawolhomes.com

WHEN SHOULD YOU HIRE A GENERAL CONTRACTOR?

You may think that you can do everything yourself, but a general contractor in residential construction could add value to your projects. While this is true for some projects, it’s not the case for all. For others, however, a general contractor is essential.

How can you tell when it is time to hire a general contractor instead of a custom home builder? Understanding what contractors do is the first step to finding out the answer.

General contractor responsibilities

The responsibilities of a general contractor

Residential contractors coordinate almost every aspect of a new home construction, home remodeling or improvement project. They also hire other professionals, such as electricians and plumbers. The general contractor will assign subcontractors to work in accordance with trades or professional services.

Qualified contractors must also be licensed and have worker’s comp insurance. This means that they are responsible for any property damage or injuries. They bring more tangible, but still vital, value to your job by their expertise in project management and knowledge of best construction methods, local codes, and industry standards applicable to your project.

The general contractor is responsible for repairing any damage and paying the associated costs.

Certain product and material warranties are also valid for general contractors. If a qualified contractor isn’t employed to install roofs, windows or other features that are essential to long-term structural integrity or performance, warranties may be voided.

When is it appropriate to hire a general contractor.

These questions will help you determine when it is time to hire a general contractor:

What time will it take to complete your project? A general contractor is recommended if the project will take more than a week to complete. Home builders can help keep things running smoothly because they are familiar with the times that subcontractors will require.

What will the local building codes have to do with your project? Some building codes require that certain projects only be completed by licensed professionals. Non-professionals cannot obtain permits. You could be subject to severe fines if you attempt to complete such a project by yourself.

What number of subcontractors are needed? While you may be able to supervise the work of one window installation, a general contractor is a great way to save time, money, and headaches.

Call Dawol Homes now if you need the help of a general contractor or a custom home builder for your new home project. 

Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
http://www.dawolhomes.com/
info@dawolhomes.com

WHAT CAN A GENERAL CONTRACTOR DO FOR YOU?

There are home projects that can be done by a DIY-er. However, if you plan to do a home remodel or a kitchen upgrade, you need to call a professional general contractor.

Home renovation experts have different specializations. For example, a handyman could change the cabinets in your bathroom or replace the fixtures. Meanwhile, a plumbing contractor could install the infrastructure that’s required for your new Jacuzzi tub or a new shower. If you want to overhaul the entire space, which includes adding new elements or changing the layout, then you should hire a general contractor.

What is a general contractor?

A general contractor is an expert who supervises and coordinates all aspects of the remodeling or building project. They can secure the permits required for the project, as well as hire, schedule, and oversee the work of subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.

Their work doesn’t just involve hands on tasks. Licensed general contractors will be responsible for the whole new home construction and that means they will have worker’s compensation as well as liability insurance. In case a worker or subcontractor is injured while on the job or if your property gets damaged, the general contractor will take care of the situation. Therefore, if something goes wrong, the general contractor will be the one who will make sure that everything is made right.

The general contractor will also make sure that all work is carried out in a way that won’t render the guarantees or warranties useless. Qualified experts will install the roofing, siding, windows as well as major appliances in a certain way or the facture will not honor the guarantee. If the general contractor supervises the remodeling or building project, you can rest easy because you know that the workers will follow the guidelines set by the manufacturer.

When should you hire a general contractor?

Nobody wants to pay for more than what they need. And that means you should not hire a home builder unless the task on hand is fairly complicated. Generally speaking, you can hire a subcontractor or handyman if the project can be done in less than one week.

But if the project needs several weeks to finish and requires inspections, permits, and different skilled experts, then you may have to hire a general contractor.

Unless you’re a professional in construction methods, local building regulations, or project management, and if you have a lot of time to spare, you need to hire a general contractor to supervise and coordinate all of these building or remodeling activities.

If you decide to hire a Myrtle Beach custom home builder, you should do your homework first. You need to know how long a general contractor has been in business and if they have handled a project like yours before. You should only hire a general contractor who is licensed and insured. You should consult your local Better Business Bureau and find out if there are outstanding complaints filed against the contractor that you’re thinking of hiring.

 

Call Dawol Homes now if you are looking for a general contractor who can help you with your building projects.

 

Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
http://www.dawolhomes.com/
info@dawolhomes.com

WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE A GENERAL CONTRACTOR?

Building a house is an excellent goal and an ambitious project especially if you plan to do it on your own. A lot of books and websites will claim that you can save money as a reason to do the work or perhaps serve as the general contractor Myrtle Beach.

But the truth is, when you hire a general contractor, to build your house, you will save money, time, and a lot of headaches. A professional custom home builder knows the systems very well and has created relationships that will encourage a streamlined building process as well as the ability to manage unexpected circumstances like weather delays. If you are thinking of building a home in Myrtle Beach, there are many reasons why you should hire a professional general contractor.

Why Work With A General Contractor?

More buying power.

A general contractor has more buying power than you. They build a lot of houses and they have connections with suppliers that can provide fixtures and materials that can be used to build your home.

Building A House Takes Time

Managing new construction homes can be difficult and time-consuming. Doing it on your own means you’ll have to spend several hours on the project. It may even take you away from your job. Hire a general contractor so you can focus on your job and family while your dream home is being built.

Experience and Knowledge

Experienced and reputable general contractors have spent years acquiring their knowledge in this field. They have gone through the right training and have created relationships with subcontractors who can help them meet the expectations of their clients.

Things are done right the first time around.

Working with a general contractor at the start of the custom home project will make sure that things are kept on schedule. It would also make sure that things would be done properly the first time around. General contractors have the experience and skill to check and monitor every aspect of the project. Every part of the job will have a supervisor who will report directly to your project’s general contractor. With fewer miscommunications, the job will be completed as scheduled without any delay, problems, or issues.

Customization Will Show Personal Commitment

Custom home builders have the personal commitment to finish your building project the best way possible. They are dedicated and committed to getting the job done as best as they can.

Any Improvement Will Sustain Value, Continue Development

When you hire a general contractor to upgrade or renovate your home, the improvements will add in sustainable value and it would assist in continuing the development of your home. Your home will have an improved look that will help increase the value of your property. General contractors know the best materials to use and which ones work best with what home design. They also have a good idea of how to keep the highest craftsmanship level possible.

 

Call now and let our team of expert custom home builders help build the home that you’ve always wanted.

 

Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
http://www.dawolhomes.com/
info@dawolhomes.com

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

What Can A General Contractor Do For You?

A general contractor is a professional who will take care of the daily operations and oversight of a building project. Apart from that basic role, a general contractor will act as the intermediary between the construction workers, owner of the project, and the design team. The general contractor will act as a liaison and will be responsible for communicating with all organizations and persons involved in the project.

Responsibilities Of A General Contractor

Before a construction project begins, a general contractor will go to and check the building site. During the assessment of the property, the general contractor will come up with an expected price for the construction project. Once this has been delivered, the general contractor will write up a contract for the owner, the design team, and the employees. The contracts would explain the budget as well as the conditions about the specifications and the construction project. The general contractor would use a design expert to check the requirements of the project based on the home or building’s structure or design. Having said that, the contractor will serve as the project engineer or project manager in most of the building sites.

What’s A General Contractor Responsible For?

A general contract will be responsible for giving the individual employee and construction firms with all the materials needed. These include the equipment, labor, and all the other services required for the building project. To achieve these tasks, the general contractor would add specialized subcontractors to do specialized works or parts of the building process. The job of a general contractor will depend on the complexity and size of the building effort.

Generally speaking, the general contractor will provide or accomplish the following responsibilities. They will file for building permits, secure the property, manage the contractors on site, provide temporary utilities and materials on site, provide survey for the sites, offer engineering functions, dispose wastes, monitor workers’ schedule, balance costs of the custom home construction project, maintain the right financial records, and the building process as a whole.

Typical Project of A General Contractor

The real estate developer or the building owner would create a project according to their wants and needs. After the development of the idea, the owner would then select a location or site for the project to be constructed on. A design expert or architect will then create a team of engineers to create the building’s design and determine the specifications required for the building. During this time, the general contractor would be providing expert services that are aligned with the information and price estimates around scheduling. The owner, the architect, and the general contractor Myrtle Beach will work closely to meet the budget and deadline of the project. The general contractor would also be working with other subcontractors to make sure that the standards, timeline, and budget, have all been met.

Call Dawol Homes if you are looking for a reliable general contractor who can help you with your building project.

Dawol Homes
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
(843) 294-2859
http://www.dawolhomes.com/
info@dawolhomes.com