Do I need a contractor?

8 years ago

I am updating my kitchen. The scope of work includes new finishes and appliances. I am swapping the location of the pantry and fridge and having a new pantry built. The swap involves moving a heating vent. I am also thinking about bringing up a gas line from the basement so I can have a gas range. I am also restoring the hardwood floor in the kitchen, dining and living area. I've lined up craftsmen for most of these projects but am unsure about management of the timeline (what order things need to be done). Is this something I can handle myself or do I need to hire a contractor?

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Comments (4)

suzanne_sl
8 years ago
If you do decide to be your own contractor, it's all on you. You will own any procedural mistakes. It will very likely take longer to get everything done. Are you home and available to let workers in? OTOH, you can choose your own craftsmen. What you've laid out actually sounds like a very manageable job for Every Day Homeowner to orchestrate. Your various jobbers will help you with the timeline decisions.

If you hire a GC you may or may not be able to use the people you've already lined up. Probably not unless they are also the usual subs for the GC. Once a GC is on your job, the length of time your home is in transition from before to after is usually shorter presuming your GC works at a timely pace. A GC will know about stuff that you may not that is relevant to the job. Hiring a GC adds to the cost of the job, but could be well worth it. GCs absolutely need to be thoroughly checked out before hiring due to the imposters and duds. They give GCs a bad name. If you go with being your own GC, be sure to check out your subs as well - licenses, experience, references, etc.

P.S. Have you thought about getting an induction range instead of gas? I had gas forever, hate electric, but then got induction. I'm in love!

P.P.S. Don't forget to check into the permits question for your locale.
Kathy Callahan thanked suzanne_sl
sonni1
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Unless there are structural changes to the building, for me, the decision to hire a contractor is a balance between money spent and aggravation saved. Check to see if you need permits for any of this work - if so, definitely get them. If you have experienced and high quality craftsmen, they can probably offer advice on timeline. TBH I don't really know how involved moving a heating vent or installing a gas line is.

I second the induction stove idea. I went from gas to induction and love, love. love the induction. Would never go back to gas.
Kathy Callahan thanked sonni1
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User
8 years ago
Yes. But you need a Designer first. Your scope already says that you aren’t up in the best approach and ideas.
Kathy Callahan thanked User
User
8 years ago
You may need electrical work as well if you are upgrading/moving your electric needs. And, perhaps HVAC /make-up air if you are upgrading your cooktop.

For me - we rehab'd a kitchen in 2009 and again in 2016. for the 2016, we did not have the local contacts to employ the trades, so we hired a GC mostly for the person's contacts. My husband and I telework, so we would have GC'd our kitchen project if we had had those contacts.

Good luck!
Kathy Callahan thanked User