I'm considering taking on the challenge of being my own contractor for building a house. I know the basics of construction and understand the steps involved, but I lack hands-on experience. I'm wondering how difficult it really is to hire subcontractors and whether it's worth hiring a general contractor instead of managing it all myself. Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, trying to be your own general contractor can lead to a mess, especially if you're not familiar with the construction process. You might think you can handle it, but without experience, it's easy to run into problems with scheduling and finding reliable workers. I'd recommend hiring someone who knows the ins and outs. They have the connections and knowledge to manage subs effectively, which could save you a lot of headaches.
Finding good subcontractors can be a real challenge, especially if they’re not advertising online. Most of the skilled workers I’ve used found their business through word of mouth rather than any listings. So unless you already have connections or are in the construction biz, it might be tough to get quality help.
Exactly! You might think it’s simple, but good subs are rare and in demand. You could end up with not-so-great people or even get turned away.
Managing all the details is key. Do you already have a team of reliable subs lined up for things like plumbing, electrical, and roofing? If not, that’s something to consider. Also, being your own GC can be a full-time commitment. You’ll need to juggle schedules and quality checks, which can be stressful if you’re new to it all. If you can find a good GC, it might be worth the investment to save yourself the hassle.
Sounds like solid advice! I didn't realize how much effort goes into managing subs until a friend told me about their experience.
Totally agree! I’ve seen friends think they could handle it alone, and they ended up with way more issues than they anticipated.