GC Or Contractor Consultant?

tallymack

I am hoping I am posting in an appropriate spot ...
Anyway, here goes: I am currently contemplating a large-scale remodel of my own home (rehab of much of the existing house and garage addition and about 500 sq ft kitchen addition)and have just sent out the project to bid. Initially I was thinking I would hire a traditional general contractor but the bids are coming in about 15-30% above my target budget. As a result I am contemplating taking some of the generalling responsibility on myself (hiring a "contractor consultant" to help with logistics but taking on the day-to-day project management and bill-paying responsibilities myself). The goal would be that I would save that 15-30% by ordering the materials myself and working directly with the subs. Without being too lengthy, I have done a fair amount of small-scale remodeling for myself and clients in the past and have worked with some great contractors. But, because of the size of the project and the fact that there is foundation and framing work, I am more hesitant. Any insight into the feasibility of doing this or realistic cost savings would be great. Especially from all you (sub) contractors out there. Thanks!

Cole

Your sub prices are going to be higher, because you will be only using them one time with no return work for them.

I would hire a GC or just wait until the funds come available.

What are you willing to pay for a consultant?

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tallymack

The consultant charges a 10% flat fee based on project estimate. But, we can bid through his subs (so they are accountable to him too) ... I would also bid through some of the contractors I use for my smaller projects - ie. finish carpenter, electrician, painter... as I presume they are giving me fair prices since I use them time and again. And since we will bid through multiple subs I should "see" if prices are on target. Another benefit is I can ultimately choose which subs I want to work with (based on price, personality, professionalism, etc). On the other hand one of the GC's line-itemed their fee at 12% which seemed very reasonable to me but his bid was in the mid-range .. so I imagine additional costs are in there somewhere.