So you want to do some renovations in your home? Maybe you want to do some cosmetic updating, change the layout to make your space more functional, or take care of some household repairs. Renovating a home is a big undertaking, and likely quite a large investment for you. For the DIY-er, it’s important to know what to not do. Some jobs should be left to professionals. Even if the project costs more money than it would if you did it yourself (or that family member that has offered to help out), it’s worth the peace of mind.
Why Hire a General Contractor for a Home Renovation?
There are many advantages for hiring a general contractor rather than subcontracting out the work yourself or using people you know that do side jobs.
Hiring a general contractor for your home renovation is like hiring a wedding planner for your big day- they take care of all the details of hiring the right people to get the job done and their knowledge in the field is invaluable to you. Sure, you could take care of the details yourself- but if you do, you’re taking on a huge headache and maybe even a risk without them.
5 Advantages of Hiring a General Contractor
- A general contractor is your source for EVERYTHING.
A general contractor offers services in everything that you need for a home renovation. You simply tell them what you need, and they will do all of the arranging, coordinating and scheduling to get your project finished in a timely manner. Instead of having to communicate with several different people, all information will be filtered through the general contractor. They will be your one source of contact and they will communicate with the subcontractors.
- A general contractor offers design services.
You may have an idea in your mind about what you want your home to look like, but a general contractor will be able to help create a plan and design for what you need. For instance, they will know what it will take to safely tackle big projects like taking down walls or adding square footage. They will make sure that everything is up to code. Their expertise is crucial for a successful home renovation because they will likely see trouble spots you can’t see yourself.
- A general contractor is insured.
If something goes wrong during a renovation, and you’re doing it yourself, you’re responsible for the damages. On the other hand, if you use a general contractor, everything will be covered if a problem arises because general contractors have liability insurance. If you have several different projects going on and different handymen working on them, you’re taking a big risk. With one insured general contractor over the entire project, you’re in a safer position.
- A general contractor gets the job done more quickly.
If you try to take care of renovations yourself, you’ll spend most of your time researching and teaching yourself how to do the project, purchasing the right tools, and playing a game of trial-and-error. This means that your project will take much longer to be completed. When you use a general contractor for your home renovation, they will know when to schedule subcontractors to come in and complete jobs, making the entire process more efficient.
- A general contractor is licensed and qualified.
Different states have different requirements, so it’s important to make sure you choose a contractor licensed in your state to avoid a renovation nightmare. A licensed builder is experienced with processing permits, inspections, and will know what has to be done to meet code requirements. Plus, you will likely get better construction loan terms and options from banks if you choose to work with a licensed general contractor. You will also want to make sure you get a warranty, which is only available through a licensed and insured general contractor.