Home improvement projects can seem daunting, especially if you don’t consider yourself a do-it-yourself person.
But even if you know your way around power tools, you may have big plans for your home renovation that go beyond your current skill set.
In this case, it’s time to hire a team of professionals led by an experienced general contractor to do the job for you.
What is a general contractor?
A general contractor is a professional charged with overseeing every aspect of a renovation or remodeling project on a home or commercial building.
The general contractor’s responsibilities include securing permits to work, handling supplies deliveries, hiring and scheduling subcontractors such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.
If all of this sounds like a big job, you’re right — which is why it’s a good idea to hire a general contractor to do it all for you.
Reasons to hire a general contractor
If you want to leave your remodeling project to the professionals, here are five reasons why you should hire a general contractor to lead the way.
Save money and time
Home improvement projects can be expensive and time consuming, and as a budget conscious homeowner,
You can review estimates from various professionals as well as choose more economical materials and upgrades depending on the scope of the project.
However, you won’t have much room for negotiation when it comes to the availability of this work and those materials.
The general contractor is responsible for scheduling the project so that materials are procured and tasks are completed as close to the specified schedule as possible.
General contractors are used to scheduling work and supplying deliveries around busy subcontractors who are likely to juggle multiple jobs in addition to yours.
An experienced general contractor will have a slight fund to draw from as necessary to keep all subcontractors paid on time.
This means that no one will threaten to quit the job due to lack of wages, and your project will continue according to schedule.
Leave project management to the professionals
You will likely have other work and family responsibilities in addition to any home improvement projects you have started.
Especially if you are working on a complex, multi-phase project, it is always best to leave the project management duties to a professional.
An experienced general contractor is an expert at juggling various tasks,
including managing the delivery of materials and hiring subcontractors.
This will make it easier for you to go about your daily life,
even if it means that a large part of your home is covered with a drop cloth.
Of course, you will be shown everything along the way,
but instead of communicating with all these different workers and suppliers,
You will have the general contractor as the main point of contact,
so there is no confusion regarding the business situation.
Benefit from existing business partnerships
Possibly a general contractor with years of experience
Has formed strong working partnerships with a variety of subcontractors and suppliers,
this is very good news for you as the homeowner.
First, it means that these subcontractors and suppliers are reliable,
As the general contractor has come to know and trust them based on their good experiences
with them in the past.
Reputation is everything in the home improvement industry.
Everyone from general contractors to suppliers to subcontractors prefer to work with
others who are known to keep their word.
These strong relationships can also benefit your bottom line,
as general contractors are often able to command better rates.
Either in terms of supplies or labor, especially if it means the general contractor
will need more of both for future projects.
When the general contractor is fair and the work experience is pleasant,
this bodes well for completing your project in a timely manner.
Enjoy peace of mind
There is a lot of responsibility and liability that goes along with a home improvement project,
and most of it falls on the shoulders of a general contractor.
You can rely on your general contractor for a license and insurance,
And know that everyone they work with will also be licensed and insured.
Worksite accidents can harm workers and cause damage to your home.
So you’ll need to ensure that everyone and everything under your roof is protected with workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
In addition, an experienced general contractor knows how to comply
with all local laws and will therefore ensure that subcontractors comply with them as well.
This means that all necessary permits will be obtained and projects will pass a future home inspection.
Landlords can rest assured that the work is done in a professional manner
without cutting corners that could be harmful or even dangerous down the road.
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