ᐅ Request for Quotes: Tips for Hiring a Local General Contractor?
Created on: 8 Jul 2020 10:28
T
Thirteen
Hello dear forum,
We are planning to build and have already received individual quotes from local general contractors (GCs) as well as from prefabricated house manufacturers, in order to compare options.
My partner prefers solid construction, while I personally lean towards wood because of environmental reasons, but I can also very well imagine solid construction. Our joint preference, however, is more towards a local GC rather than a prefab manufacturer.
So far, all quotes from local GCs, whether solid or wood construction, have clearly exceeded those from prefab house providers. However, I have often read that local GCs are at least on par price-wise.
Do you have any tips on how to find local GCs whose prices are closer to those of prefab house manufacturers? Or should I basically forget about that? In terms of scope of work, we have naturally compared like with like.
PS: We want to build in the Main Kinzig district, close to the Fulda district.
We are planning to build and have already received individual quotes from local general contractors (GCs) as well as from prefabricated house manufacturers, in order to compare options.
My partner prefers solid construction, while I personally lean towards wood because of environmental reasons, but I can also very well imagine solid construction. Our joint preference, however, is more towards a local GC rather than a prefab manufacturer.
So far, all quotes from local GCs, whether solid or wood construction, have clearly exceeded those from prefab house providers. However, I have often read that local GCs are at least on par price-wise.
Do you have any tips on how to find local GCs whose prices are closer to those of prefab house manufacturers? Or should I basically forget about that? In terms of scope of work, we have naturally compared like with like.
PS: We want to build in the Main Kinzig district, close to the Fulda district.
T
T_im_Norden8 Jul 2020 11:20Do you have experience with construction or know someone knowledgeable? Otherwise, I would be cautious about outsourcing basement work.
Thirteen schrieb:
All offers from local general contractors (GCs), whether solid construction or timber frame, have so far clearly outperformed those from prefabricated house suppliers. However, I have frequently read that local GCs are at least price-competitive.
What tips do you have for finding local GCs whose prices match those of prefabricated house providers? Or is that basically unrealistic? Of course, we have compared comparable scope of work. You have read correctly that local GCs are at least price-competitive. The fact that they have “clearly outperformed” the unrealistic offers is not contradictory but inherent in the situation. So be glad that local GCs do not “match the price level of prefabricated house suppliers,” because that would mean cutting corners. Pay a fair price and be happy not to fall for someone selling you the myth of a cheaper price.
Thirteen schrieb:
PS. We want to build in the Main Kinzig district, near the Fulda district. Even I don’t know offhand which suppliers have already been “reviewed” here – just check the forum section “Experiences with Build Company Such-and-Such.”
Thirteen schrieb:
Another question: How can a layperson make a meaningful comparison? As a layperson, basically not:
Ideensucher schrieb:
Classic Excel spreadsheet. That’s exactly where the trap is. Excel spreadsheets only capture parametrically definable dimensions and are great for “comparing” apples to oranges. In the end, they create the misleading illusion that this was the way to wisdom. Also, they only have two dimensions—so you inevitably have to add deviations as text comments, and then we end up with totals that only fools cut down. You might as well spell “namely” with an “h,” which would come to the same thing but at least could be caught by a spell-checker. In Excel, nonsense looks like math and can thus pretend to be a “calculated result.”
Better look around for local GCs with satisfied customers. You don’t get those from a trickster.
By the way, tendering and construction supervision are services you can also book individually with architects—even if they did not design the house. As a layperson, you can’t do much more than make costly mistakes otherwise.
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Does this mean it would actually be more practical for us to approach an architect to create the plans and obtain quotes for the trades?
An architect advised us against this, saying that while the architect could design our dream floor plan, it might still significantly exceed our budget. To avoid this risk, we were recommended to gather information separately.
An architect advised us against this, saying that while the architect could design our dream floor plan, it might still significantly exceed our budget. To avoid this risk, we were recommended to gather information separately.
Thirteen schrieb:
So, would it actually make more sense for us to approach an architect, have them design the plans, and obtain the trade contractors? At first, I thought you wouldn’t need a planner anymore, and that you should hire an architect for the tendering and construction management. After reading your planning thread, I’m now convinced you do need a planner as well.
Thirteen schrieb:
We were advised against working with an architect because they might design our dream floor plan but still end up significantly over budget. An architect advising against architects? Now I’m really curious about the detailed reasons behind that.
Thirteen schrieb:
And to avoid the risk, we should rather gather separate information ourselves. I still don’t understand how gathering separate information would help. In an architect’s contract, budgeting can definitely be included as a planning objective. After all, staying within budget is not a trivial matter—most homeowners can’t just print money themselves.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Lumpi_LE schrieb:
Yes, that is always difficult; a general contractor involves fewer surprises. It’s best if you can also rely on a recommended architect who has stayed within budget. There are always good and bad ones. But it’s hard to find such an architect. There are hardly any online reviews.
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