Pros And Cons: Do It Yourself Or Hire A Contractor
When it comes to your next construction project, you might be wondering if you can act as your own general contractor or if you should hire someone. While a do it yourself attitude can serve you well in many areas of your life, sometimes the help of a professional is warranted. What are some of the pros and cons you must consider when making this decision? Read on to find out.
Do It Yourself Might Save Money Upfront
Not having to hire a contractor may seem like the best way to keep your budget in check. After all, you won’t have to pay their fee or any markup on subcontractors. On paper, the DIY approach can be very appealing. However, you’ll need to factor in the time you will spend acting as GC and the loss of any discounts a well-connected and experienced GC can procure for you. In addition, the time you have to spend to navigate challenges that aren’t in your wheelhouse may end up costing you more money in the long run.
You Have The Final Say
For those that want to have complete control over the project, acting as your own contractor might be the best choice for you. When things are going well, that’s great! However, that also means you’re ultimately responsible for unexpected hiccups. If you find a problem outside of the original scope of work, you will have to find a way to solve it.
Subcontractors, Scheduling, And Inspections – Oh My!
Handling the demanding task of scheduling would be a full-time job on its own. If you attempt it, things could get sticky. Getting quotes from subcontractors, writing contracts, and vetting each one takes a lot of time. Choosing the wrong electrical contractor might mean you fail an important inspection. The process of building is like a very well-choreographed dance, with everyone doing their task at the right time. Inexperience with scheduling often leads to long delays and too much downtime. Time is money, and acting as your own GC comes with a steep learning curve.
It’s probably no secret that we generally don’t recommend a do it yourself approach to general contracting. For small jobs – and for those that have some building experience – it might be worth it. But overall, this task is best left to the professionals. Contact Dunlap today for more information about our process, and how we can help you get started on your next project today.
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