Restoring an Old Home
Q: I recently purchased a century-old restored arts and crafts home. It is a two-storey house and one of the greatest features of the upper floor is the roof deck, which has shared access from both upstairs bedrooms. Currently, the master bedroom has double French doors opening onto the deck and a single panel door from the second bedroom. The deck needs to be replaced, resealed with a waterproof membrane, etc.
A: Not only could one general contractor do your entire project, but I think you'd be foolish to tackle it any other way.
General contractors are licensed to perform or coordinate the work of three or more sub-trades, whether they or their employees do all the work or they hire sub-contractors. Thus, a general contractor is ultimately responsible for the success of the entire finished project.
If you attempt to hire separate roofers, carpenters, tile setters, you run the risk that they blame each other for problems that could develop. An experienced general contractor is most likely to know the best subcontractors for your job and will have more influence over them to do a good job in a timely manner (if they ever want to get future work from him or his acquaintances in the industry).
To locate an experienced general contractor to discuss your options, make suggestions about the best techniques and products to use, and give you estimates, visit Home Advisor, and enter your service request.
Good luck with your project, it sounds beautiful!
by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com