Brown Residence, Week 16
The Right Personality For DIY Contracting

• Are you control oriented?
• Are you self motivated?
• Are you well versed in construction?
• Are you detail oriented?
• Are you extremely patient?
• Are you highly organized?
• Do you have nothing but time on your hands?
• Do you have expert contacts and inspectors to call on to check on the quality of work performed by your subcontractors?
• Are you willing to be responsible for quality control, organizing, and scheduling all building code inspections, completion certificates, call backs, and insurance?

If you answered yes to these questions, then I would recommend you start reading up on the logistics that come with acting as your own general contractor. As long as you realize that tradesmen may not show up when they promise, phone calls won’t be returned, and information discussed at meetings will be ignored or forgotten, then you’re good to go. This is the reality!  Are you ready for this, or should you hire a professional to do what they do best?

If you’re still considering the self-contracting gig, then here are some key issues to think about:

• Be Fair But Tough. Hire the right experts to do the work, and be sure to check on their quality of workmanship before you hire them. Keep tabs on them as well when they’re on the job.

• Walk The Walk – And Talk The Talk. Get to know your subs and relate on their level. After all, you’re the boss who cuts the checks, so definitely inspect all work before you pay.

• Be Extremely Well Organized. Keep impeccable records. Systemize what you can by tracking purchases, contracts, invoices, checks, schedules, inspections, liens, and all insurance coverage.

• Carry Extra Liability Insurance. Cover the workers and anyone else who meanders through your job site.

• Decide On Bathroom Facilities. for workers and create a comfortable working environment for all.

• Schedules Fluctuate – And Delays Happen. Factor delays into your schedule. Whether it’s a scheduling conflict between tradesmen, bad weather, or delivery delays, prepare and be flexible.

• Establish Your Priorities. Make sure the key projects are done right the first time. Something as important as pouring a foundation is a critical event to oversee and ensure that it’s executed correctly.

• Schedule Subcontractors far enough apart. to make up for any lost days and for any unforeseen repair work

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Brown Residence, Week 16
Wow!  It’s the beginning of March already and spring is just around the corner.  I can only imagine how eager you Easterners must be to leave those snow days behind.

Aren’t you ready to shake off those cobwebs, and grab on tightly to the first signs of spring?

Spring is a time for renewal, a time for recharging, and time to start planning your summer home renovation project.  Whether it’s that gourmet kitchen and family room you’ve been dreaming about, the outdated master bathroom you’ve been putting off, or the new bedroom addition you desperately need, spring is for planning and summer is for building.

Walk around your house with paper in hand and start working on a list of improvements your home needs and some others you want.  Factor in a budget for each and decide if you’ll need a general contractor to oversee your project or do you plan on taking on the role of a general contractor yourself?

Many DIY contractors feel they will save a considerable amount of cash by overseeing the entire project themselves. Truth be told, if this is your maiden voyage, your lack of experience and any errors you make along the way could realistically only save you 10 to 15% of your overall construction costs.

If your job is small and only requires the organization of two or three different sub trades then it may pay to take on the job.  Providing you have a solid relationship with a few of these specialists then this may be the best type of DIY contracting for you.

So you have to ask yourself: Do I have what it takes to be my own general contractor? And more importantly, is it worth it?

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.