So you’ve decided you want to do some home remodeling but you have a limited budget and taking out a home equity loan is not an option for you.  You certainly could go out and start interviewing remodeling contractors to get the job done for you.  This is the route most homeowner take, so few decide to become their own general contractor and sub out the jobs because they simply don’t know where to begin.

Being your own contractor lets you be in control of the process from beginning to end.  You eliminate the middle man and you don’t have to try to get out what’s in your mind and into theirs.  Everything that is done is to your precise specifications.  You can go as slow or as fast as you want as there are no real deadlines to meet unless you choose to have them.  You can take the savings from not hiring a contractor and buy better quality materials to put in your home.

Yes, you will have to oversee all of the subcontractors but that’s a small price to pay compared to the money you’ll save.  An important point to keep in mind is that you’ll have to stand your ground because  subcontractors usually have other jobs going besides yours at the same time.  Your home remodeling job may fall by the wayside if you don’t stay on top of them, and it is not uncommon for subcontractors to disappear for weeks at a time doing other jobs while yours isn’t done yet.  Make sure you interview and set the expectations about tardiness and quality of work.  It’s important to build rapport with them because they may see you as a one time job and give more attention to a remodeling contractor that will give them consistent work.  Make sure everything is in writing and clearly spelled out and its also a good idea to offer incentives for work completed ahead of schedule.

Some delays are unavoidable regardless of who’s in charge of overseeing the job.  The big difference is that you will only be focused on your project so it’s easy to stay on top of it.  There’s always going to be new business vying for your sub-contractors attention especially in the latter stages of your project.  It’s imperative that you stay on top of them so that you don’t have an unfinished bathroom that sits for two weeks.  Keep these tips in mind and your project will progress very smoothly and it will be easy on your pocket as well.

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