Building inspectors can uncover problems that should be addressed in remodeling and also monitor compliance with building codes during construction.
Who’s Who in the Remodeling Trades
Design/build contractors provide a full range of architectural design and construction services. Typically, D/Bs prepare all drawings and specifications; obtain all required permits and permissions; hire and supervise all subcontractors and laborers; acquire all building materials, appliances, and equipment; schedule all work and inspections; and track work through completion of the remodeling project.
General contractors do not usually provide design services but take overall responsibility for construction. GCs prepare the bid, hire subcontractors and other workers at the site, and coordinate their efforts. They acquire the building materials, products and equipment needed for the job, obtain permits, schedule required inspections, resolve any issues that might arise, and driving the project through to completion.
More often than not, general contractors have a background in home design or a trade specialty. Some claim to be jack-of-all-trades. They may have a background in architecture, carpentry or any other discipline that has given them an overview of the remodeling process. But most important, general contractors have good project management skills.
Owner/builders are homeowners who take on the general contractor’s role themselves to maintain control over their remodeling projects and possibly to save money that they would otherwise pay to a GC in fees and profit. It’s not a bad idea, but do it only if you have a good sense of the process, a clear communication style and good management skills.
Subcontractors
For large, complex jobs, general contractors assemble a team of specialist subcontractors and general laborers. The key subs for large remodeling jobs may include:
- Brick, block and stone masons, for construction of walls
- Cabinetmaker and/or cabinet installer; for kitchens, baths and built-ins anywhere in the house. Countertops are often made by a specialist fabricator and put in place by the cabinet installer.
- Carpenters, for framing, sheathing and finish carpentry. (In some cases carpenters may also install roofing, siding, windows, doors, drywall, wood flooring and interior trim; in others—especially for large, high-end projects—each phase listed may be handled by a specialist subcontractor.
- Concrete and masonry subcontractor, for building foundations, walls, driveways and walkways; some concrete subs may also have workers skilled at stucco application
- Demolition subcontractor, for dismantling and disposal of unwanted structures or parts thereof
- Electrician, for upgrading service, running additional circuits and installing switches, outlets and lighting fixtures
- Excavator, for digging in preparation for foundation work and grading the site; also, perhaps, in advance of installation of new water, sewer and/or electric service lines
- Flooring installer, may specialize in wood and/or vinyl flooring and carpet installation
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning subcontractor, for installing and upgrading systems. Often heating and air conditioning are handled by different subs.
- Landscaper, for planting trees, ornamental plants and lawns
- Network installers, for sophisticated home computer systems, communications equipment and home entertainment systems
- Painting subcontractor, for exterior finishes and interior decorative painting
- Plumber, for installation or extension of water supply and drain lines, fixture installations and connections
- Septic engineer, for projects where sanitary sewerage lines are not connected to a municipal sewer system
- Stair builder-installers
- Surveyor, for establishing property lines and foundation layouts
- Tile installer, for ceramic tile floors and walls
Smaller, more targeted projects may require only one contractor with enough general skills to complete the job. For example:
- Replacement window dealer-contractors remove existing windows—either partially or completely, install replacement units and restore siding and interior finishes as necessary.
- Garage door dealer-contractors supply and install replacement garage doors and automatic garage-door openers.
- Roofing contractors install new roofing and usually also handle roof-mounted vents, gutters and leaders.
- Siding contractors handle exterior siding and certain types of insulation.
- Handyman contractors may have enough general skills to handle carpentry and roof-related repairs, electrical and plumbing repairs, tile repair, painting, and installation of home equipment and appliances.
Whether you hire a general contractor or a number of specialist subcontractors for your remodeling project, make sure that they have the wherewithal and intention to finish the job to your satisfaction, which includes cleaning up completely, hauling away construction debris and integrating the new work with existing finishes wherever it may be necessary.
