DIY Vs General Contractor

https://frenchscabinets.com/kitchen-renovation-diy-versus-general-contractor/

From our fiends at French’s Cabinets:

Between Pinterest and HGTV, it is no wonder so many homeowners think of a kitchen renovation as a simple DIY project. They make it look easy and fun! (Plus, it’s done in an hour-long show!) But the reality may be far different. Here are five things to consider in deciding to DIY or Hire a Pro for your kitchen reno.

Consideration 1: Budget

One of the primary reasons people consider doing it themselves is the budget. While DIY certainly saves on labor, what does it actually cost? Are you taking time off from work to demolish, haul out and reinstall your kitchen? Time to source, interview, hire and supervise electricians, plumbers and carpenters? Are you paying full retail costs on all your materials? And what do you do if you encounter unexpected problems you’re unprepared to handle?

Consideration 2: Time

You can certainly take your time and not rush when you’re doing the reno yourself. But do you want to live in a kitchen chaos longer than necessary? And if you’re doing it on weekends or nightly after work, you may rapidly find your energy and desire waning. Plus, it’s costing time that could be spent relaxing with friends and family.

Consideration 3: General Contracting

Acting as your own GC may prove more challenging than you expect. Do you need permits? How do you get them? How do you find a reliable specialist in each discipline you need to make your dream kitchen a reality? Hiring a general contractor means entrusting their skills, knowledge and relationships already established.

Consideration 4: Quality

Another aspect of renovating the kitchen is ensuring the quality is there, in the appliances, the flooring, the cabinetry, and in all the hidden things tucked behind walls, such as electric and plumbing. Make sure the home is safe for you, for future residents and that you’re spending your money wisely, on products that will last.

Consideration 5: Aesthetics

If you’re doing a kitchen reno, you have a vision in mind that you want to see fulfilled. But liking a few pieces on Pinterest is not the same as understanding how everything works well together as a cohesive, beautiful and functional space. Hiring a designer who will not only listen to your ideas and look at your inspirations, but understand how to execute that vision is immensely valuable. They may be able to save you money on some pieces while guiding you to what to invest more in. And they can help you achieve a kitchen that will be lovely for years to come – not one that will need to be redone a year down the line if you become disenchanted or need to sell.

• kitchen renovation, diy kitchen, kitchen reno

• https://www.frenchscabinets.com/

How do decide on a contractor?

So you’re ready to pull the trigger on your big construction project? You’ve been planning it in your head for so long, watched HGTV for years thinking about the perfect new kitchen or outdoor living space, saved up the money and lined up financing.  You’re ready to go, but who can you trust to make it happen?  Selecting a contractor is a huge decision.   We’ve all heard the horror stories… contactor takes a big deposit and doesn’t show up, the project drags on for months or even years, the budget is blown and the final product isn’t what they said it would be.  Why should you have to settle when it comes to paying that amount of money?   So how can you make a decision on who to select to work with on your project?

What to consider:

1.       Is the contractor licensed and insured?  Request a copy of a general contractor license and an insurance certificate for general liability and workers comp.

2.       Is your project something the contractor has expertise with?  Some contractors only work on small bathroom remodels and some build new houses.  Find a contractor that has a niche for what you are doing.  Check our some of our projects here:  Crosspoint Instagram

3.       What is the timing of the project? When will they start and when will they finish? 

4.       Is the budget going to work?  Request a detailed bid that includes a cost for each phase of the project and make sure the entire scope of the project is included.  If you get multiple bids, be weary of a bid that is significantly less than the other.  You get what you pay for!

5.       A contract that works for you.  Cost plus contracts and fixed fee contracts are completely different. Understand the differences by asking contractors how they structure the contract and what fees they are paid.  Are they transparent with a cost-plus contract? 

6.       Most importantly and all encompassing for the above items to consider - Does the contractor do great work and make his clients happy?  If you have a contractor in mind already, request references and/or ask to see a project.  A good contractor is proud of his work and will be happy to get you in touch with their clients.  See what clients are saying about Crosspoint here:  Google Reviews

By going through the checklist above, you should be extremely comfortable selecting a contractor.  That doesn’t mean everything will go perfect!  Construction is tough no matter who you work with, but make sure you select the best contractor for your job by going through each step above. 

We would be honored to be your contractor.  Find our more about Crosspoint by calling us today at 615-674-7777.

Additional resources:

·         https://www.nahb.org/ - National Association of Home Builders

·         https://www.nari.org/ - National Association of the Remodeling Industry

·         https://www.bbb.org/ - Better Business Bureau