to be or not to be — your own general contractor

I thought a GC was necessary for me because between work and school, I knew I did not have time to babysit the subs.

As it turned out, I’ve had to babysit the GC. And not all that successfully.

I did much of the research on my own for products and except when I couldn’t purchase items myself because they only sell to the trades, I bought my own fixtures — finding the very best price online and also saving myself the GC’s 15% markup.

So as I contemplate the renovation that will happen eventually on the interior of the house, I wonder: Do I have what it takes to coordinate subcontractors to oversee my renovation?

I’ve picked up a zillion books from the library on remodeling and green building. Many offer specific timelines that stage the project in the order that needs to happen for most efficiency. On the other hand, that also means applying for permits and meeting the permitting officers. Ensuring subs show up on time and in the right order. Providing all the materials at the right time so that, for example, kitchen cabinets aren’t being stored for weeks or aren’t weeks behind schedule.

I think I’ve just talked myself out of this hare-brained idea.