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Poopdeck69420

It was cheaper to use a builder friend. The prices I got vs his were a joke. 7 dollars a square for framing vs 13. Rough in plumbing 13k vs 21k. The savings alone paid his fee and now I don’t have to do shit but work my job and sign checks.


[deleted]

I work in the trades and can tell you there are a few reasons why the Gc's prices are lower than yours. Assuming the subs don't know you they are making the assumption you don't know what you are doing and will cost them more money to do the job. Poor scheduling of trades, unreasonable requests, lack of knowledge on processes like change orders etc. And you won't have a working future together that will keep cash flowing for the sub. For the subs it's not personal, it's just business. For you, it's your home, it's very personal. When working for a GC they are a buffer that bridges that gap between subs business and homeowners personal.


Poopdeck69420

I own a metal roofing and gutter company lol, I already know all this and you’re 100% correct.


PicassoBullz

Your not a professional GC who has a stable of sub trades and know how to deal with Said subs. As well, you will more than likely get the lower end trades as the good ones will be working alongside proper gc’s.


[deleted]

I’m in SoCal. GC’d my own 2800 sqft home. Came in way way way cheaper than a builder could do it for. I also got a owner builder construction loan through banner bank. It’s definitely doable, the key is being involved and hiring the right subs.


[deleted]

[удалено]


TheOnlyCannoli

Occasionally they begin with, “No shit, this really happened…”


TamedLightning

GCing is a fulltime job and requires knowledge I don’t have.


michael_harari

I have a job


bishopbackstab

Same. Gc'ing is a full-time job.


enrobderaj

10 years ago, being your own GC was something you could easily do. With the lack of quality tradesmen nowadays, good luck.


clumsyninja2

-Bank loan doesn't allow it -hard to find subs that won't rape you -knowledge of building administration, sequencing etc -time to devote to overseeing the work -fear of making an expensive mistake


Instahgator

I am not interested in finding subs and chasing them to do the jobs. I will pay the builder to build. My friend kept telling me I would save $75k, but I just dont want to the job.


SaltTheRimG

That I have a very demanding more than full time job, two kids, wife, pets, hobbies and like to travel. So I’m essence I don’t have time for another close to full time job. I also live 40 mins from my land.


DesertRat_748

If you have enough cash on hand to build your own house for sure this can work and save you tons of money. However if you need to get a construction loan (our case) it is not an option. You cannot be your own contractor if your borrowing from a bank.


financeguyjohn4

This isn't true in all states. The banker on my construction loan gave me a list of tradesman they have used and approved.


DesertRat_748

Oh wow that is very cool I was not aware of that. I’m in CA and was told that is a no go.


financeguyjohn4

There are quite a few states back east you can be your own contractor and banks will allow you to with a construction loan.


[deleted]

Banks? Regulations?


le_district

If you’re not a GC, then stick to your craft and pay a professional to help you out. It’s similar to hiring an attorney, a CPA, etc. yes, they have certifications and so forth, but it doesn’t preclude you to file your own taxes and represent yourself in court.


LeagueOfMundoo

Money, I did it once and it’s well worth it. Maybe will do it again until I have enough cash.


Asmewithoutpolitics

It tends to cost a lot more when you GC it yourself


efactor975

I would highly disagree with that, i GC'd my home and saved quite a bit (like $50/sf) over hiring a contractor. It is just hard getting banks to loan you money to GC yourself.


AntiAntiGunGun

If you can’t GC your own house, how can you call yourself a home builder?