Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Starting Out
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 6 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

20
Posts
2
Votes
Theo Bandy
  • Merrillville, IN
2
Votes |
20
Posts

General Contracting my own home

Theo Bandy
  • Merrillville, IN
Posted

I've never built a home and I'm thinking about becoming my own general contractor. Can anyone provide some useful tips on how to choose the right subcontractors and best practices on foundation, framing, and insulation builds?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

7
Posts
6
Votes
Gordon D.
  • Residential Real Estate Broker
  • Stroudsburg, PA
6
Votes |
7
Posts
Gordon D.
  • Residential Real Estate Broker
  • Stroudsburg, PA
Replied

Theo - I have over 30 years worth of experience building custom homes and I can tell you with confidence that you will not save money being your own GC.  Why?

  1. Lot's of reasons, not the least of which is the lack of knowledge and experience.  Here are a few other things to consider.  
  2. One of the most important aspects of such a project is the budget.  How will you prepare a budget without knowing what's involved?
  3. The preliminary work alone will take longer than you think.  Site planning, zoning, permits, engineering, etc.
  4. In general, there at a bare minimum over 5000 details in the building of a home.
  5. Your GC has the experience of what products are available and what will work best for your project.
  6. General Contractor's can buy products and materials at discounts that you can't.  Just that fact alone can be reason enough to work with a professional GC.  What you think you'll save, you will spend in purchasing.

Find an honest, reputable builder that will work hand and hand with you and in the end, you'll be a happy man.

Luke 14:28  For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Loading replies...