What is better using a unioned General Contractor or drudging thru a list of contractors to try and find the best (price and quality) of each trade????
2007-02-21 15:16:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Well the only general contractor that i have found that is alright seeming is a union contractor they said that they do residental but its sort of a small area.
2007-02-21 18:27:42 · update #1
As a former subcontractor, I can truthfully attest to the fact that most subcontractors will charge you more than they will a general contractor. Why? Because a general contractor offers repeated work and the typical home owner doesn't have a clue as to how to properly manage and coordinate a job, so it takes longer to do your work and thus you are charged more money. As a general contractor, I coordinate all the subs (trades) and materials and provide you with a professional job. Most people who act as their own general contractor spend more and take longer to complete the job than they would if they'd hired a professional general contractor.
2007-02-21 15:58:36 · answer #1 · answered by Turnhog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A general contractor is the person that hires and organizes the other contractors. Specialized contractors only do specific jobs. If you mean a general contractor as per a "handyman" or a "jack of all trades", it varies. Check for their references and see some of their work.
Always hire a licensed and insured contractor. Also not all general contractor are union
You will pay more for an General contractor, but the sanctity of only having to work with one person instead of many, it is worth it.Good Luck
2007-02-21 15:56:41 · answer #2 · answered by carpenterslavemoney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How much money do you want to save? You can act as your own general contractor, butt.... You will be responsible for making sure that each and every one of the subs is licensed, bonded and insured for the job. You will be responsible for getting permits and seeing that the subs come back and fix any flaws that the inspectors find.
If you do this, hold back a significant % of the money as final payment, say 20 to 30%. The sub gets this only after all inspections pass and you are content with their work, usually 2 weeks after completion of the task. Also avoid giving large draws upfront, there are a lot of crooks out there giving honest guys a bad rap. We all hate these guys, but they promise the moon and stars for a fraction of the cost and jet off with the money.
2007-02-21 15:31:45 · answer #3 · answered by dartiator63 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that a general contractor is the best way to go. They are cheaper and do electrical and other things as well as plunbing. Specialty contractors charge alot more and will only do specific things but charge a high premium. General contractors can be co-orced to do alot more.
2007-02-21 15:22:13 · answer #4 · answered by LAURA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
General contractor is usually the best way, However if you just need electrical work and nothing else, I would look for a licensed Electrician and not have to pay both parties. Same with plumbing.
Just be sure they are licensed and demand a copy of insurance coverage from them.
2007-02-21 15:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by Nort 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most union contractors don't do private works, their busy building skyscrapers. you're better off going Independent, generals usually hire subs to do their work, If it's quality you're after go for the specialty subcontractor, check refs. look in the BBB, get a couple of bids, and don't worry about the cost.
2007-02-21 18:08:47 · answer #6 · answered by underwoodpaint 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
General partnership - there has to be one general partner, who has unlimited liability. Yes, you'll be considered independent contractors. As such, you'll have to pay self-employment taxes as well as any other income taxes.
2016-05-23 21:58:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋