How many workers should an efficient GC crew have?

Question

I assume 2-3 wouldn't cut it (time-wise), should I be looking for around 5 or so? Much more? Much less?

Aaron McGinnis · Answer

Let's start by clarifying some terminology...

A "General Contractor" is a legally licensed individual who typically manages a full project and will involve other licensed contractors/subcontractors as necessary. Some (But not all) General Contractors will employ specialists, such as Carpenters, or painters, on a full time basis. I've seen a few who keep a full time licensed plumber or electrician on hand, but that's pretty rare.

In a properly run job, especially a large one, pretty much everyone on the job is a specialist. You don't generally want to see a carpenter painting, or a painter doing plumbing, or an electrician tiling.

On small (and I mean small) jobs, it's not atypical to have one person who is multitalented; that person may handle minor plumbing jobs, swap out a light fixture, or do touch up paint. We call that guy a handyman... handymen are great for small jobs, but generally pretty useless on a job big enough to warrant real crews. Unless he is capable enough at one thing to be called a specialist.

I run a design build firm, and am a general contractor. We keep carpenters on full time staff. They do the following -

* Framing* Trim (And cabinetry) installation* Minor foundation work (dig a 2x2x2 footing, lay rebar, call inspection, pour concrete. Anything bigger than that and we call a foundation crew)* Demo* Minor insulation (anything more than a couple of rooms and it's better to get an insulation company to do it)* Siding and house wrap* Hardware installation (Door knobs and whatnot)* Window installation* Door installation

... and that's their entire job description. They don't paint, hang drywall, roof, or anything else. This is generally the case for 'real' carpenters.

Aaron McGinnis · Answer

No... siding, housewrap, and drywall are completely different trades with very little in common other than an application over studs.

We actually use zip panels instead of house wrap, so I can say we do house wrap. Most of the time when a builder does a lot of traditional rolled wrap installation they will subcontract it. We used to subcontract rolled wrap until we learned about zip panels... haven't looked back since.

Drywall is halfway trade and halfway artistic pursuit. A good drywall crew can knock out 250-300 boards a day and have a scratch coat on it before they walk out. The tooling and know-how is not cheap, which is why we don't touch drywall unless it's an extremely small patch... and even then, I'd rather have my painter do it. (a good painter should be able to tackle minor drywall issues)

Also, drywall and siding happen at totally different phases of construction. Siding is toward the first half of the middle of a job, while drywall is at the first half of the last part of the job.

Account Closed · Answer

considering that you are an experienced rehabber, you should already have an inside track to finding good subs. Ask the guys you currently use for references. A framing package as in a building plan marketed by a lumber yard?

Rolanda Eldridge · Answer

@Aaron McGinnis....Hey, I'm considering a self build in ATL area for a second home.  Considering about 1600 sq ft ranch ..I'm an experienced rehabber with over 20 rehabs behind me.  Any recommendations on finding great contractors?  Should I use a framing package?

Jazmine S. · Answer

Immeasurably  grateful. Thank you again!

Jazmine S. · Answer

@Aaron McGinnis tag

Jazmine S. · Answer

Thank you so much for the  detail! I will be having my first meeting with a GC  that I met yesterday at the city's building service department with great reviews and a very professional demeanor  and will see what he  tells me. I found it interesting that your crew typically performs siding and housewrap work, but not sheet rock.  I always thought of these components going hand-in-hand,  but noticed that in most books they are  discussed in completely separate sections.

Jazmine S. · Answer

Hi @Aaron McGinnis,

Actually, one of the things that I am trying to figure out is what I can have my main crew do (I was going to post a question about this later actually), without needing a specialist... With your expertise you may be able to help me greatly.

In my mind, I am thinking that a GC would handle siding/wrap/sheathing/insulation/drywall, carpentry, demo, framing, finish installation (cabinets etc.), flooring and minor painting.

I definitely want a specialist for roofing... I assume all of the three HVAC, plubming, and electrical? I'm on the fence with the plumbing...? Also thinking the specialist route for major paint (which would definitely be involved for my houses), garage door replacements, and landscaping.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Aaron McGinnis · Answer

Hard to say without knowing what sort of crew we're talking about. Carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, Electric?

(Hopefully not all of the above in the same crew!

David D Painter · Answer

I have seen 2 man crews really get things done and I have seen larger crews drag things along. Doesn't matter how many there are just how good they are.

How many workers should an efficient GC crew have?

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