If you are considering DIYing your way through an upcoming home renovation we’d encourage you to read this article that discusses the reasons why you should hire a general contractor. While DIY projects are a wonderful way to blow off creative steam, they usually aren’t the best idea when the functionality or aesthetic of your home is at stake.
Before we jump into the 7 reasons why you should hire a general contractor, let’s first talk about what a general contractor is exactly.
What Is A General Contractor?
A general contractor is essentially a jack of all trades.
While not all general contractors fulfill the same set of tasks, usually, a general contractor will perform the following:
- Provide materials necessary for project completion.
- Provide all labor or employ subcontractor to provide labor for the project
- Provide equipment for the project
- Coordinate with subcontractors when necessary
- Ensure an optimal timeline for the project
- Oversee scheduling, payments, and cash flow
- Ensure that safety protocols are upheld
As you can see, the job of a general contractor is very diverse and involves wrapping up a lot of loose ends to ensure that the project goes smoothly. Hiring a general contractor is the easiest way to see your renovation through to completion in the least amount of time with the least amount of stress.
If you’re still not convinced, here are 7 reasons why you should hire a general contractor for your upcoming project.
1. General Contractors Coordinate
General contractors oversee your home project and coordinate between all the parties involved.
This makes communication much simpler since general contractors act as the single contact between providers, subcontractors, and you. You won’t be forced to make phone calls to various subcontractors or coordinate schedules. Instead, your general contractor will mediate between you and the others involved in the project.
2. Project Management
General contractors are there to make the renovation process convenient for homeowners by managing the project and making sure everything goes according to plan.
Instead of you having to worry about contacting, scheduling, and payment the different subcontractors you only need to work with your general contractor who in turn will manage all the other moving pieces in your project.
3. General Contractors Are Experts
General contractors understand the world of construction and are experts in the field. They are experts and know how to find other experts to work with.
General contractors work with building codes, know the ups and downs of applying for permits, and know what materials/skills are necessary for your project.
Working with an expert general contractor saves homeowners so much stress and helps them avoid the inevitable learning curve that would come with doing everything themselves.
4. Efficient Time-Frame
General contractors have the benefit of being on the inside of the construction world.
General contractors know how to navigate communication with others in the field and are able to use their knowledge of the industry to help you complete your renovation in an efficient time frame.
This is something that homeowners struggle with if they choose to do their project on their own. Trades and subcontractors don’t prioritize the needs of individual homeowners the same way that they would a respected general contractor.
Because of this, working with a general contract yields more immediate results and allows projects to be completed in an optimal time frame.
5. Risk Management
General contractors have appropriate liability insurance and workers compensation insurance which mitigate risk.
Should anything go awry, a general contractor has the liability insurance necessary for parties to recover and the legal situation to be worked out in the easiest way possible.
Working with a general contractor is the safest route to go when you are making alterations to your home or property.
6. Cost
Cost-wise, working with a general contractor is beneficial for homeowners because many trades and subcontractors offer general contractors special discounts.
If you choose to do your renovation project on your own, you won’t have access to the same number of discounts that a general contractor would and so you’ll end up paying more for the same materials.
It is beneficial and cost-effective to work with a general contractor for this reason since most general contractors are familiar with local providers and are aware of who offers the best deals.
7. Licensing & Insurance
General contractors undergo special licensing training and have to meet strict requirements in order to become licensed to work.
They receive their license from the state board prior to beginning to work legally as a general contractor. Working with a general contractor is the best way to secure expert services from an individual who is licensed, insured, and extremely knowledgeable.
Because of the aggressive licensing requirements, general contractors understand how to safely see each project to completion, upholding all safety protocols.
Differences Between A Subcontractor & A General Contractor
Subcontractors have a niche set of skills and are hired by general contractors to complete specialized tasks that require specialized training. If your general contractor is unable to complete an aspect of your project, they will hire a subcontractor to get that specific job done.
Hire A Skilled General Contractor Today
If you would like to hire a seasoned general contractor to help you with your upcoming home project, Inclign is here to help.
We offer general contracting services to homeowners in the Puget Sound region and would love to assist you with your upcoming project. If you have questions about our services or wish to speak with one of our general contractors to schedule a meeting or get a custom quote, Contact Inclign today.
Our goal is to help all homeowners have the easiest renovation possible. We understand the logistics of each project and
Home improvement is simpler than you think and it’s right around the corner.