Best approach for complete remodel
 

I'm getting ready to hire contractors for a complete makeover. Projects include new kitchen and two baths, floors, windows, painting in and out, new roof, plumbing and electrical updates, etc. Would you hire a general contractor to do everything? Or would you hire individual specialists - a separate roofer, separate floor company, separate window company, etc.?

I'm thinking separate contractors might give you a little more control and might be cheaper because the general contractor usually subcontracts and tacks a surcharge onto their price, understandably, to make it worth his while.

I would hire separate contractors. If you hire a general contractor, a lot of the work will probably be performed by people who are not properly licensed for the specific task they are performing.

But, with all that work to be done, have you considered buying another house?

Are you skilled as a general contractor???............or did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express??

The other way around. I'm buying a fixer-upper!

Dewilson, I don't understand your post.

if the pool has no experience, i would not recommend he/she tries to be a general.

It wouldn't hurt to get a few general contractor quotes, but I think you will be shocked at the prices. And, you better have a very detailed, written contract, especially for the materials which can vary wildly in quality and cost. Whatever you do, don't pay any money in advance to any contractor. If a subcontractor needs an advance payment for custom materials, use a credit card. If they won't accept a credit card, I would refuse to pay in advance. Good luck.

T&D told me they had to pay for special order items at the time they place the order.


That was an indication to me.

Had you thought about buying another house??????

We used separate contractors on our home in Cincinnati. Please share with us. Many of us love to see the lovely changes people do to their homes. Our home is nine years old and I think we need some updates in light fixtures and the fact our cabinets don't go all the way to the ceiling. Also floor tile becomes dated as well. I may be old but I really enjoy seeing what is current in home trends. Please post pictures and enjoy the process sir/ma'am.

Thank you, JE, for your reply. Please see post 4 above.

For the roof and exterior paint I would do this with out using a GC. On the interior where there are multiple trades involved(for example the kitchen)would use a GC. Timing and arranging the various trades will slow down the job

Bunch of videos on how to and how not to be your own general contractor.

youtube being your own general contractor on remodel - Bing

Unless you have the greatest view in villages , I can not understand doing anything like this , but I’m probably bias , 14 homes , 5 here all new . I hate it just when I have new floors , plantation shutters and painting done as soon as I move in lol

We have had 5 homes built, hiring a contractor for each stage of the build. Saves big money, and always knew the crews working on our homes.

Make sure you get the proper permits and permissions from The Villages and county.. a legitimate contractor will know about these..