By Tedra Schneider
Room 911
Tedra Schneider.
Sometimes I have clients who ask me to help them on a design/decorating project that is pretty straightforward. We pick out furniture, a paint color and artwork arrangements.
Other times, it becomes apparent that a general contractor may be the way to go. This is especially the case when a client wants to really overhaul an existing bedroom, bathroom or expand and add structural elements to a room. Increasing the bathroom space by borrowing space from a closet or expanding a closet into a walk-in closet would be examples.
If you use a general contractor, you should vet them and do due diligence before employing them. Visit business bureaus or ratings on certain websites – even actually go and inspect their work. Many people want a quick answer, a free estimate, but I guarantee you that number will not be accurate.
Paying someone for pre-construction costs based on plans from an architect or designer is far more realistic. Some clients I have had said, “What’s the big deal? We’ll put a sink here and a bathtub there,” only to find out that a professional such as a general contractor will know that plumbing lines may have to be moved and electrical outlets reconfigured and more technical aspects have to be considered.
The general contractor will purchase building materials and hire laborers or subcontractors that they have worked with before. Their reputation is based on how well these subcontractors do the job. The tile person, the mason, the plumber, the electrician, the millworker – all get involved. Here is the beauty of a general contractor: they coordinate and sequence when a worker is needed. Their work is inspected. They are held accountable. That alone is worth its weight in gold.
How much does this service cost? It depends if you have the plans or the general contractor’s company has a designer on staff, the cost of the building materials, coordination of workers (thus taking a percentage of their fee) and the actual labor of putting this project together.
All general contractors will ask for a percentage upfront before the work is started. Often 25 percent of the project cost is a number you’ll hear. That is going to the purchasing of some of the materials and starting the project. From there on in, you will pay incrementally as aspects of the project are completed. Usually, there is a warranty on the project – a year or more.
Most often, the general contractor, who knows your house well, will turn out to be someone you will call years from now when you have ice dams or a leak emanating from the bathroom sink. To this day, I have peace of mind because I can still turn to my original general contractor who built an addition for me 20 years ago. He has been a life saver.
One caveat: too often we hear of people giving sums of money to someone who calls himself a general contractor or handyman or whatever, only to have these people disappear. People are scammed – especially the older population that may be more vulnerable.
Do your homework, and the general contractor can save you hours, weeks and months of aggravation. After all, you’re worth it.
Tedra Schneider can be reached at restagebytedra@gmail.com.