Having a house entails a substantial level of responsibilities. You must maintain your home in good condition not just to keep it livable, but also to guarantee that your investment keeps its value. Of course, you may increase the value of your property by making changes like installing a new kitchen or adding additional construction.

Regardless of the reason, you may be wondering, “Should I hire a contractor or do it myself?” when you need work done on your property.

When it comes to DIY vs. contractor, the reality is that it’s nearly always best to hire a professional contractor rather than try to undertake the work yourself. The following are five reasons why:

TIME IS MONEY WHEN IT COMES TO CONSTRUCTION.

Time is money, no matter how you look at it. You put in long hours throughout the week so that you may relax and enjoy your weekends and holidays. You may not have to pay for a contractor’s time when you tackle a home repair job yourself, but you will be sacrificing your own free time.

If you’re a busy professional looking forward to your weekends, bear in mind that almost every building job takes longer than you expect. And if you want to continue to appreciate your house, you must finish what you start. You’ll be more likely to have the task done fast if you hire a contractor.

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A CONTRACTOR HAS ACCESS TO PEOPLE, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS.

Many construction tasks simply require more than one pair of hands. Also, unique equipment is usually necessary, not to mention all of the building supplies required for the project. A professional contractor has a team of certified people on hand to assist as required, as well as all of the necessary tools and equipment. Also, because contractors can buy materials wholesale, they are more likely to locate a larger selection of options and lower prices than a regular homeowner.

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A CONTRACTOR HAS MORE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE.

Construction is not something to be taken lightly. Whether installing a new kitchen or adding a bedroom, understanding the ins and outs of home construction is crucial in order to protect the integrity of the current structure and ensure that any new construction is up to standard. 

On the contrary, if you’re a weekend DIYer, chances are you don’t have the necessary knowledge and skills. When construction work is not up to code, it is declared hazardous, and you will almost certainly have to have it replaced if a building inspector uncovers it.

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A CONTRACTOR IS IN CHARGE OF LICENSES AND PERMITS.

Plumbing and electrical work, for example, must be conducted by licensed specialists. Furthermore, many municipalities demand licenses for specific types of construction, even if it is your own house. Knowing exactly what licenses you need and when you need to apply for them in order to start your project on time is best left to the experts. Remember that if you don’t have a license, you might be penalized.

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SAFETY.

This one should go without saying. Home construction involves several safety considerations. It is necessary to ensure that everything is code compliant, installed safely, and intended to last. Do you believe you know everything there is to know about building regulations? A mistake can cost thousands of dollars and potentially result in injury.

To summarize, there are only a few situations in which doing home improvements yourself makes sense. Certainly, if you enjoy DIY, have access to all of the necessary tools and materials, and are capable of doing everything perfectly, DIY may be an option. Even so, you may encounter licensing issues, as well as a lack of warranty for the work you’ve completed.

Overall, it’s best to choose a qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable contractor who has access to a team of pros and can provide you with the proper products at a reasonable price. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is done correctly the first time, and that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered by the contractor’s warranty.

Contact Regency General Contractors immediately if you need work done on your house, we provide services for Multi-Family Housing, Single-Family Housing and Commercial Industries. We’re always delighted to talk about your home improvement project and can provide you a free, no-obligation quote.

Choosing a general contractor is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make if you want to build or renovate multifamily housing. Whether you’re a developer yourself or merely interested in investing in a development project, it’s critical to understand the function of a contractor and, more significantly, what you need to know to choose a skilled, professional contractor who will get the job done well.

A General Contractor’s Role in Multifamily and Commercial Construction

Multifamily and commercial contractors, like general contractors for single-family houses, are in charge of practically every stage of the construction process. This often includes:

Design: A general contractor will be entrusted with collaborating with the architect on a project’s design and suggesting changes and enhancements that might save time and money while lowering risks and potential safety issues.

Permitting: A general contractor is normally in charge of getting the necessary city and county permits for a construction or renovation project.

Hiring subcontractors: A general contractor would often obtain bids from many subcontractors, ranging from plumbers and electricians to flooring specialists and security installation companies, in order to identify the business with the greatest combination of price and quality.

Purchasing supplies: While some subcontractors can buy their own supplies and charge the GC, in general, the general contractor will purchase most building materials directly.

Zoning/building codes: While it is critical that a building’s architectural designs adhere to zoning regulations and building codes, it is also the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that these standards are followed and applied throughout the building and construction process.

In general, the first step in choosing a general contractor for a multifamily construction project is to research. A developer or investor may want to explore online, contact other developers for advice, or even identify local homes they like and then look up the contractors who worked on them in municipal or county records. If they’re using construction finance, they should also inquire about which general contractors their lender recommends. Quality builders often have their hands full in today’s busy construction market, so developers should be aware of general contractors that advertise directly to potential clients.

Start early: Getting the necessary permissions from a municipality for major multifamily construction projects can take up to 9 months. Choosing a good general contractor early on in the process might help speed up the process since they are familiar with the permit approval procedure.

Make a comprehensive project description: The easiest method to acquire a realistic cost estimate and work timetable from a general contractor is to provide a detailed project description.

Obtain proposals from a number of contractors: For smaller projects, investors and developers should obtain at least three competitive bids from contractors. It may be advisable to obtain 5-6 bids for larger projects, however this depends on the number of accessible businesses in the region. More bids usually means more competition, which lowers pricing.

Look into references: As an investor or developer, checking references is an important component of your due diligence. You can identify the contractor’s working style in addition to checking that previous clients haven’t had any serious issues with them. It’s crucial to ask precise questions here, such as how long it took a contractor to respond to their calls and whether the job was completed on schedule and on (or under) budget. 

You could even wish to phone previous clients who weren’t provided as references to get a better sense of their reputation and talents. If a contractor does not offer references, make sure to ask for them, and if they are unwilling to supply them, you might want to search elsewhere.

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Avoid common errors.

One of numerous red flags that might appear throughout the GC bidding and due diligence process is a reluctance to provide references. Other red flags include a general contractor that only accepts cash, refuses to secure permits, or does not have a track record of successfully completing projects.

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Make communication a primary focus.

One of the most critical parts of a good general contractor is communication, and finding one that suits your communication style is essential. While some clients may want daily updates, others may be OK with a check-in every few weeks, so you’ll want to be sure your contractor is versatile when it comes to communication. This is particularly important during the planning stages of a project, when a general contractor may be required to attend zoning board and city council meetings in order to get the necessary permits.

In some instances, selecting a general contractor is similar to selecting a partner: choose well, and things will go smoothly; choose poorly, and you may find yourself in serious trouble.. Like a spouse, you’ll need to interact and negotiate with your contractor on a frequent basis, but unlike a marriage, this will only happen for 6 to 24 months, depending on the size and complexity of your project. Because you’ll be entrusting them with hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, a good general contractor must be dependable, trustworthy, communicative, and financially responsible.

Though it may initially appear complicated, integrating two countertop designs in your kitchen is actually a simple process. Everything comes down to balance, color harmony, and skillfully combining various materials. Are you prepared to begin creating your design? Here are five ideas you should add to your toolbox.

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Pay Attention to Patterns

When looking for more than one countertop design, pay close attention to patterns. Two styles clashing is the very last thing you want. Combining two options that each have a lot of movement or pattern might overload your kitchen design and divert the viewer’s attention.

If you’re attracted to busy patterns, look for a complementing countertop that’s either solid-colored or has a little amount of pattern. By doing this, it will be made sure that no counter substance will compete with another.

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Complement Accent Colors

Your favorite piece of artwork, linens, furnishings, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, or even your range hood may serve as an inspiration for accent colors. Choose a countertop pattern that either complements or integrates a color you like if there is one. 

The disadvantage of this approach is that if you ever decide to alter the accent colors in your kitchen, your countertop could not match. Even though it shouldn’t completely stop you, it’s something to be aware of before signing anything.

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Balance Dark With Light

The yin and yang concept also applies to countertop design. Look for a second option that is darker to provide contrast if your initial pick is on the lighter side.

There are several methods for producing a light-dark dynamic. Use a light countertop with light-colored cabinets (and vice versa) if your cabinets are mixed hues for a more striking contrast between your two styles. Alternatively, you might choose balance by putting your darker choice on lighter cabinetry. Consider additional aspects, such as how each countertop design compares to your backsplash material, if your cabinetry is all the same color.

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Create An Island Accent Piece.

Many designs are inherently eye-catching, whether they use striking color combinations or distinctive patterns. The core of your kitchen is the ideal location for installation. If the remainder of your kitchen’s color palette is neutral or subdued, wrapping your island with striking patterns and sweeping veins.

It’s not necessary to go overboard with accent items. You may choose designs that add flare while yet fitting nicely with the rest of your area.

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Mix Materials

The good news is that you can use both materials if you can’t pick between two that are polar opposites. Combining natural materials like granite and soapstone with artificial surfaces like quartz and porcelain is a common practice. Even mixing two distinct kinds of stone is possible (travertine with granite, for instance). 

The drawback? Not all cleaning solutions will work with all surfaces. For instance, natural stone shouldn’t be cleaned with a solution like Windex, while manufactured surfaces may. Before beginning to wipe off any surface, familiarize yourself with its cleaning instructions.

Butcher blocks and custom wood pieces are two other common material choices. These may provide texture and warmth to your home, especially when combined with a sleek quartz or solid-surface design.

It can be difficult to build a house. The HVAC system, roofing, cabinets, and everything else are just a few of the numerous factors to take into account. In addition to engaging subcontractors for specific tasks, obtaining permits, and managing code inspections, a general contractor may manage all the details of building a home.

BEFORE HIRING A GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Because general contractors normally charge between 10% and 20% of the total contract price, or between $29,000 and $58,000, you want to be sure you have the correct individual for the task. You should have as much information ready before contacting contractors.

Count On Word-Of-Mouth

Asking around is an excellent way to start your search for a general contractor. You probably know someone who has worked with them in the past and enjoyed them, so you already have a reference for their work. Another useful resource is the website of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Pick Up The Phone

Once you have a list, you may call and ask some of your questions before scheduling a time in your schedule to see them in person. Asking for financial references, finding out if they’re prepared to recommend clients, and finding out whether they accept projects of your size and scale are all important questions to ask at this point.

Schedule a Meeting

Make a list of at least three general contractors you’d want to meet with and request quotations from based on your phone interviews. Building a house is not like a straightforward remodeling project; you will be working with this individual for at least six months, so now is a good time to ensure that you communicate well.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

The face-to-face meeting is the perfect opportunity to lay out all of your concerns and obtain a general timetable for your project. Some excellent inquiries to make are:

• How long has your company been around?
• How many homes do you construct annually?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long will the project take?
• What time does work begin and end each day?
• What is your contact information, and how fast do you respond?
• How will you protect the construction site?

Check Credentials And References.

To find out if your contractor has been the subject of any complaints, start by contacting the Better Business Bureau or the consumer protection office in your state. Once you have a sense of how their projects went, you may start contacting their clients. Visit an active project site if you can to observe how things are progressing there.

If you need an accredited and trustworthy construction company to help you start building your dream home or start renovating your kitchen or bathroom, contact us today!