Best Of

I've GC'd before and things turned out well. I wouldn't have any problem doing it again.

I would actually prefer to do my own work under the guidance of the pro.

The pro works with me to plan out the job. I get the necessary permits I need, procure the materials and build it out. Pro comes by and verifies what I’ve done was done to our plan and helps set up inspections.

Job gets closed out as complete.

Homeowner becomes more knowledgeable about trade work and possibly opens up a new revenue stream for the pro without the overheads.

I think it comes down to the actual person, or people involved, not based on a title or what license they hold necessarily. The interview should be as much about personality as job experience.

Spell out in writing what is expected from all the parties.

License and liability can be an issue, bank financing often dictates the legal requirements. My current city allows homeowners to do quite a bit of the GC work if you post a bond, and hve an engineered design, stamped by a state licensed PE.

I have GCed all my building projects, ground up and remodels. Being in the trades helps you find the subs that will work this way.

At days end most all the subs helped each others out, when it came their turn to build you reciprocate. At least when we were all starting out in business. And in a small town

and how often does it go badly with a professional gc?

No, most of the time Homeowner GC never goes well.

Half way through the job they want to start adding things.

There may be some instances where a homeowner may be a excellent GC but most have no clue of the scope of the work installed or what needs to be done.

Who does clean up

who disposes of rubbish and rubble

They want to buy their own material but when the Amazon Junk or HD junk fails they want you to change it out for free.

If they supply the material they will buy the wrong stuff or it will not be available when you need it.

A home owner GC ??!

GC—— "But I saw them do it that way on you tube."

Contractor—— "I did too. Shall I invoke the "difficult GC / home owner clause in the contract.?" Since this is the fifty forth time you have argued this?

In other words. No F#%^@*G way would I take a job under those circumstances. The headaches and the risks are not worth the hassle.

Unless of course the relation between customer and contractor is rock solid. But that is a … well… then again. I smell a can of worms.

I always figured that if I built a house I'd hire contractors by the day, to give them the option of bailing without feeling too bad about it.