HO's who GC (mike kraft)

Mike Kraft

This is a topic that all sub contractors have had to deal with I'm sure.Leaning a bit towards the "seasoned"sub I know I have become.

My impression is that most begin with great intentions.Most decide to become their own GC's to save themselves quite a bit of $$.The projects I have done for DIY GC's have all gone over budget and never ever complete by the targeted completion date.

By project end most DIYer GC's wear frowns.They start gleaming and proud.The reasons for the train wrecks are long and vary from each trade.Spouse disputes can also put a sub in a very precarious situation.I actually was scheduled to rough a rather interesting home once.I went and started piping.The layout "secure" :).The Mrs ventured in around lunch time and was quite happy to see the sub putting pipe in.But then again.........the pedestal goes here not there!and the toilet is over here!!not there!!!!Confused I was and diplomatic I pled my case.......this IS where the Mr. and I had agreed.By the time the Mr arrived I was pitted in a marital cat and dog fight.I calmly rolled up and asked if they could call me when they knew what they wanted and we can start with the change orders:)

This yarn leads me to the phone call I just left.A DIYer GC started off with "I hear you are a radiant specialist!"Well I must say My rainy JETS losing Sunday on the couch perked right up.The gentleman told me he is building a new home local and wants all radiant.He has secured an engineered design.He also will be supplying all materials.He proudly told me the price he found for tube.He also told me he could supply me with my jobs with his connections.Dont get me wrong ........I am not against someone supplying their own stuff.

I asked who engineered the job.He couldnt remember the name of the MAN but it is a LI based MAN.I blerted out the name to which he agreed.But this isnt where the tube and manifolds are coming from.Imagine that........a loyal customer;)

I reviewed several things and his time frame.To which I thankfully will not be able to get involved.I have shared the visions with DIYer GC's and appreciate the passions that they forsee.For Kathy and I built are own modest home.Freinds,family and hired hands.It was great and we kept budget(no choice there)and got our CO right on time for the school bus:)So I know what DIYer GC's feel.It is a definite pride.But as a hired hand with individuals who are getting into things that are a bit more than they can handle.........I'm becoming a bit cynical.

cheese

Mad Dog

Usually, a homeowner/GC is trouble

for all the reason's you stated...however, I have worked for a few that were all right....only because they had some trade experience...the ones who never humped a piece of 'rock up to an attic or neverinstalled a faucet are trouble since they have NOOOO conception what it involves...Mad Dog

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Bill Clinton

HO GC

Calls for + 10% on the top, tight contract with all responsiblities on both sides spelled out, and tight credit.
You gonna lose if you don't.

Bill

Online Sheriff \"Murph\"

well i am at the final

lap of these jobs you describe and will let you know how it pans out in the november month. and mike i dont blame you a bit

Mark Hunt

Yo Murph!!

Hope you're feeling better!!

Mark H


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heatboy

I've been lucky.......

when it comes to homeowners acting as there own general contractor. 50% of my radiant is new constuction and almost all of it is derived from the homeowner wanting me to do the project. I'd say half of that is where they are hiring all involved on the project. So far, no major problems and I actually prefer it. Usually, owners do a better job of paying than builders do and I have always been paid everything owed, unlike a couple of "legitimate" GCs I have worked with. Most owners who undertake this responsibility, do it because they can't find a GC/builder they like and trust, not to save money. Who can blame them? I advise them to go in with eyes wide open and keep the finished project in mind when things start getting hectic.

Warm Regards,

heatboy

"Expert in Silent Warmth"™

610.250.9885

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Mark Hunt

Seems like there is more of this going on today than before.

I've had a few instances with it and it is a mixed bag as far as good/bad goes.

Most HO's aren't familiar with the "natural flow" of a construction site. Co-ordination is usually non exixstant.

There have been exceptions.

I try to give the HO a little guidance in the areas that I can.

No doubt the experience that they get, good or bad, will stay with them for a good long time.

And when it's all said and done, they got to be more involved with the finished product.

Mark H

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