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That is very risky to hire so many different people, make sure they are all licensed, insured and you have contracts for all plus references...When you hire a licensed contractor (reputable) everything is on his shoulders, if there are any problems with the work he has guaranteed he must rectify it...
Is it really that much cheaper to hire out for each individual job then to let a contracting company handle the whole job??
I just know that hardwood flooring should be done first and painting last.
i very much prefer the flooring not be down yet when i show up (electrical contractor), and most homeowners do too.
do you really want all those ladders being setup on your new hardwood floor when they're changing light fixtures and painting?
as a GC also, painting is the first thing we do. then cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and flooring last.
its inevitable that some walls will get scratched, and its easier to not make a mess doing touch-up painting versus painting the entire house w/ flooring and fixtures installed. everyone is pretty comfortable with that schedule.
That is very risky to hire so many different people, make sure they are all licensed, insured and you have contracts for all plus references...When you hire a licensed contractor (reputable) everything is on his shoulders, if there are any problems with the work he has guaranteed he must rectify it...
Is it really that much cheaper to hire out for each individual job then to let a contracting company handle the whole job??
A GC or CM will charge 10 to 15% of the cost of the work, plus expenses. They also sometimes mark up subcontractor work and materials. So on a big job it can be a whole lot of money.
Still I think that it is probably worth it. If necessary just do less and have it managed and then save up and do the rest later.
I remodeled (okay somewhat supervised) a small remodeling job and I have one thing to add:
10. touch up paint in damaged areas
I think your list looks perfectly fine otherwise. What I suggest is making a schedule in Excel of all of your tasks. You can keep gaps inbetween in case the workers go over, and update it as needed. If you're unsure, you can even ask the contractors for advice. That's always free.
Maybe it's just me, or maybe I'm being too harsh, but....
If you have to ask about scheduling, and not sure what to do in what order, then you are probably in over your head.
While people can save money by doing the contracting themselves, if they don't know what they are doing, or at least have a basic understanding of the job's natural order of progression, they may be in a world of hurt with do-overs,, tear outs, and wasted money.
Scheduling materials and workers is not as easy as you may think. Sometimes there are little surprises that can really mess you up.
Just my 2 cents.
The words were really harsh and discouraging.
Scheduling was not easy but we did it. It took us only 6 weeks to do it. We saved money and time too. Contractors were giving us the time limit ranging from 2 to 4 months. The whole remodeling process was full of small and big surprises but we were committed and focussed.
I appreciate useful advise from everyone (especially the ones to start working from upstairs). Scheduling and picking stuff take lots of time but at the same times give personal satisfaction. I am happy that I didn't hire a contractor.
Way to go! Where are the pics? Are you planning on posting any? Glad to hear everything worked out for you. I've been remodeling my basement family room for over a year. It's finally in a stage where I can actually use the space. Still some finishing work and decorating to do, but livable once again.
Way to go! Where are the pics? Are you planning on posting any? Glad to hear everything worked out for you. I've been remodeling my basement family room for over a year. It's finally in a stage where I can actually use the space. Still some finishing work and decorating to do, but livable once again.
All the best for your basement project. You are getting it done by yourself that is why it took a bit longer to finish it. In our case, (my husband is not at all handy and do not have time to do anything) we had to hire workers to do everything and now a days they are not as busy as they used to be so the things were done fast. But I am sure once your basement is finished you will be proud of yourself. Thanks for your reply!!!!
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