If I hired a G.C. it would be an average of 20% on top of my project cost, so needless to say, I have decided to run it myself. Having acted as General Contractor without the benefit of the fee for several clients, I have a clear idea of what it takes. First and foremost is a gift for scheduling and then follow up, follow up, follow up.
Firm quotes and timetables are essential! It is critical to ensure that you have in your agreements with contractors a clause stipulating completion deadlines and consequences for failure to adhere to these. Of course, I do understand that a wall or floor opened up can yield surprises, but what I am talking about is when a job is a runaway and the contractor is juggling too many others and you are low priority. My contractors are all well aware of the deadlines, that other teams are dependent on their completion and that they will lose monies if completion is not timely.
Scheduling is the key! I always check with each contractor to ensure that he/she is fitting in at the right timing. For example, in this project my painter wants to get in before my carpet installer and do touch ups afterward. The carpet man prefers this, so that is how it will work. The siding specialist has asked that the stone veneer get installed before he tackles the rest of the house with siding so, again, I have scheduled that into the plan.
Keep close tabs! I talk with the contractors at least weekly to confirm the existing schedule, before we even get started. It is a tight one. Right now, we kick off on July 1 weekend with a contractor willing to work through the holiday. While he is working on an interior/exterior window change and dormer remodel, the stone talent will be on site working on the other half of the house getting stone veneer up. One week later, July 11, my siding contractor will get to work. Meanwhile, my painter will be on the job doing interior work from July 1-11 and my carpet installer will be in July 11 to complete his aspect.
Plan daily jobsite checks! The vital consideration in this is to realize that if you are not familiar with a job in progress, it may cause some panic. Fortunately I am familiar and also willing to be flexible with changes that may arise and create solutions on the spot. I can also make needed design modifications as required. This is very important. I have had a client that literally impeded progress on his job as he was unwilling to allow them to get to a point of progress that would be appropriate for inspection. He didn’t understand the steps in between and jumped in to say it was all wrong and had be torn out and redone. This is counterproductive, unnecessary, and negates the point of hiring experts like a designer, builder, and contractors to get the job done.
Say thank you! All too often owners forget to say thank you to the contractors working on their projects. It isn’t enough just to pay them. Remember to write a letter of recommendation if you are truly pleased. These letters can ensure future jobs for the talent hired.
