Do you need a general contractor for renos?

general contractor
Classic Home

A general contractor helps save you time and keeps you on budget

There are many things to take into consideration when it comes to home improvements. One of the first is this: do you hire a general contractor or simply use an installation service?

The word “general contractor” can be a little intimidating. What it really signifies is someone who’s responsible for the overall coordination of your project. That includes hiring, supervising and paying any suppliers and sub-trades. We call them Full Service Renovations. It doesn’t always mean that you have to spend more money, but it does mean there’s less scheduling and organizing on your end.

An installation service, on the other hand, is generally hired to perform a specific task. Typically, they’re very knowledgeable about their work and are highly recommended when it comes to their area of expertise.

For example, let’s say you’re having your bathroom flooring changed. Who will remove and replace your toilet? Not the guys laying the lino! You’ll need to do that bit on your own or hire someone else.

Don’t get me wrong – there are times when all you need is an install. But it never hurts to call one or two contractors first. Find out whether what you need done involves any extra work that you may not have considered. Even if they can’t help you, they’ll certainly recommend a great installer who can.

When a general contractor is your best bet

Consulting a contractor is especially important when renovating your kitchen or bathroom – two highly used rooms that often contain hidden issues that can majorly impact your project and budget. Unless you have a lot of spare time on your hands, you’ll want to use a general contractor for these spaces. The amount of planning and coordination can often be overwhelming for the average home owner.

Your best bet is to hire a great company who knows the renovation business. Let them look out for your best interests!