Should we hire a general contractor?

last month

We live in a 1940’s rambler that we will likely sell in the next few years, but are wanting to remodel a few spaces. After finishing our basement last year, I am wondering if a contractor might be the way to go for future projects because it was tough to coordinate everything between trades and we struggled to get the DIY bits done in a timely manner.

We are wanting to start by doing work on our bathroom. It is original to our home, which I think is fun, but it was in pretty bad shape when we moved in. I am hoping to do some plumbing work, so that we can put an anti-scald valve in the shower and put in a new tub, and replace the tile that likely has mold growing underneath. Eventually, we will do the kitchen as well.

Our goal is to do things right, but not make it too fancy as we will likely be moving in a the next 2-3 years. Would you suggest hiring a general contractor to do the whole project, or would you hire a plumber, someone to do the tiling, and possibly someone for drywalling separately? We are planning to remove tile and what not ourselves to save a little bit on labor, but aren’t willing to commit to much else. We have a great plumber, but would need to do more research as to who else we would work with.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last month
Hiring a GC is all about risk reduction. He's already sorted through all the subs that you're going to have to sort through to get your project completed in a timely manner. Plus, you're a "onesie" to all those subs, meaning that when a GC that gives that sub a half million dollars worth of work a year calls him in the middle of your job, he's leaving. Contract, schmontract. All the work he provides gives him leverage over subs and leverage is terrific in making trades play nicely with each other. Leverage that you'll never have.

How lucky do you feel? What's your time worth?
Emma Rose
last month
last modified: last month
If you are already juggling plumbing, drywall and scheduling? A general contractor can save you a lot of coordination headaches. The biggest issue with bathroom projects is timing. One delay from a single trade can stall everything else.

Here a simple way to decide:

1. If you want one person to manage all the trades?
General contractor is the easiest route. They will handle the timeline, permits and make sure each trade shows up when needed.

2. If you are comfortable managing people yourself
Hiring individual pros is fine. Many homeowners bring in:

· A licensed plumber for the shower valve and tub

· A tile specialist

· A drywall finisher

· A painter for moisture resistant bathroom paint and final touch ups

This usually saves money but takes more time and planning.

One thing people often overlook is the finishing stage. Bathrooms take a beating from humidity. So proper drywall repair and high quality interior paint make a big difference in preventing peeling and mildew. Here a helpful resource or services that explain the interior painting remodel in simple terms.

Whether you go with a GC or separate trades, just make sure the final finish looks clean since that’s what you see every day.
Related Professionals
Beavercreek Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hawthorne Bathroom Remodelers · Mountain Top Bathroom Remodelers · Lake Elsinore Interior Designers & Decorators · Murraysville General Contractors · Arkansas City General Contractors · Bell General Contractors · Fairview General Contractors · Linton Hall General Contractors · Newington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Pleasant Grove Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Spokane Bathroom Remodelers · Napa Glass & Shower Door Dealers · El Mirage Window Treatments · Placerville Window Treatments
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
last month
I'll second Joseph Corlette's opinion that hiring a general contractor is all about risk reduction. When remodeling, particularly when remodeling older homes, you're likely to get a number of "surprises" when you start opening up walls, floors, etc. It's good to have a trusted expert in your corner when that happens. To that end, make sure you hire someone with the appropriate experience and expertise and whom you can trust to not take advantage of you when the scope changes due to factors outside your control.
rwiegand
last month
When I want it done right I do it myself, when I want it done quickly with (sometimes) less hassle I hire a contractor. (I guess I can't afford the kinds of contractors who do it right, though I know they exist) There are exceptions; I will not, in this lifetime, ever learn to plaster walls and in my state a licensed plumber and gasfitter is mandatory even on your own home.