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Thank you for all your information, this is exactly what I am looking for. Neither DH nor I am handy (we can fix a toilet but that's about it), and I don't really see us becoming so in the near future, due to very hectic schedules and obligations. Plus, we don't have any friends or family who are handy or who have done renovations. Nor do we really know many people in our area either, since we have only lived here a few years. And we're first-time homebuyers, looking at a house that is fabulous in many respects but needs about $50,000 of renovations. We want to do all the renovations before we move in, because it seems like it would be awful to live in the house while doing renovations. Anyhow, I will research all of the info you have provided.
It seems as if some people are saying, find a contractor, and other are saying find people on your own. I'm not sure which would be the best approach.
Neither DH nor I am handy, and I don't really see us becoming so in the near future...
It seems as if some people are saying, find a contractor, and other are saying find people on your own. I'm not sure which would be the best approach.
Your first statement should answer your question!
If you know nothing about remodeling- hire someone who does. That means a general contractor (especially someone who specializes in remodeling).
Thank you for all your information, this is exactly what I am looking for. Neither DH nor I am handy (we can fix a toilet but that's about it), and I don't really see us becoming so in the near future, due to very hectic schedules and obligations. Plus, we don't have any friends or family who are handy or who have done renovations. Nor do we really know many people in our area either, since we have only lived here a few years. And we're first-time homebuyers, looking at a house that is fabulous in many respects but needs about $50,000 of renovations. We want to do all the renovations before we move in, because it seems like it would be awful to live in the house while doing renovations. Anyhow, I will research all of the info you have provided.
It seems as if some people are saying, find a contractor, and other are saying find people on your own. I'm not sure which would be the best approach.
You need a GC. Note bolded comments.
DIY is nice, and can save you $$$, but you need time and a "hands-on" approach.
Even if you want to act as your own GC you will need time and proximity (i.e. you'll need to be home -yes in the house- ) to supervise and schedule the work crews. It doesn't sound like you are in the position to do that.
So I've been reading online about general contractors--I understand what they are and that getting a recommendation is the best way to find one.
But if I were to go to a kitchen and bath design center--is that the same as if I found a general contractor on my own? I'm unclear what the pros and cons of each approach are--kitchen and bath design center vs. finding a general contractor on my own.
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