I'm a first-time homebuyer trying to sort out renovations for a house that needs some love. Here's a list of what I want to tackle:
* Repainting walls
* Refinishing hardwood floors
* Refinishing doors
* Upgrading hardware like knobs
* Installing window blinds
* Upgrading closet doors
* Replacing fireplace tiling
Can a general contractor handle all of this, or should I look for specific tradespeople for each job? Also, if anyone has recommendations for reliable workers in Chicago, I'd appreciate it!
3 Answers
Ultimately, it’s up to you! A GC will add about 20% to the total cost, but they'll handle scheduling and coordination. If you want to save money, you could manage the individual tasks yourself, especially since some jobs, like changing knobs or hanging blinds, are easy DIY projects. Just make sure to get quotes from good floor refinishers, as quality can vary!
A good general contractor (GC) can definitely manage all of those tasks. They either take care of everything themselves or hire subcontractors to do the work. You pay them to coordinate the jobs and ensure everything gets done properly. If you decide to hire all the specialists yourself, then you'd essentially be taking on the role of a GC.
For your hardwood floors and tiling, I’d recommend hiring specialists. They really know their stuff. A handyman could handle the more straightforward jobs, like upgrading knobs and installing blinds. It really depends on the level of finish you want.