How To Be Your Own General Contractor. Important STEPS!!

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[@ryansuggs249]

Thank you buddy!! I am starting a project which was approved for converting a carport garage into a gym and game room! This helped big time!! Had my architect put the plans together. 👍🏽 Thanks

[@s.p.c.3724]

Thanks for the information. I am considering acting as my own GC for a gut remodel and this was a great start. I'll be watching more of your videos.

[@katkameo6413]

Thank you. You helped me focus and get a grip as I am in way over my head! 🤣😫😫

[@FASECWindowWallGroup]

Thank you! You really help me a lot in being my own general contractor. 😀👍

[@scottfrasier3516]

Thanks for this video, man! Great info! We've been having a nightmare of a time buying a home after moving to another area in Montana here and have opted to build after a year of looking. Builder prices are also through the roof, so going to be jumping into this with both feet. Excited for the experience but also healthily terrified, so I appreciate guys like you putting this knowledge out there. Subscribed, liked, and shared!

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Thanks for the message. Also keep in mind that in Montana builders are not required to be licensed and that can get a little dicey. I have seen some pretty ridiculous stuff out there. Good luck to you and your build!

[@Wingaling]

Appreciate what you're doing brother!

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Always!

[@benjaminsalmons7253]

Be sure to get your permit for breathing... but I digress. Great video, Going to get my house going later this year. I know how to do almost everything to build a house. Just wish it was the old days so I could build as a free individual.

[@onebasemedia1166]

Great content 💪

[@tarahall1025]

I am allowed to pull the permit - interestingly, the county requires the home must declare no licensed gc completed the work for the first two years after completion. We plan on living here for at least 10 years- it goes on to say I would have to use an attorney to remove that distinction- so, wondering if I should go through and get a builder's license. I've acted as GC on two major projects (improvements over 200k) from framing to completion- so have pulled permits and passed all inspections on first go-

[@josephcook9065]

Specific question here - Any advice on Homeowner hiring a GC to build an addition as a shell? I have friends and family in trades (plumbers, electricians, etc) and I personally know how to run wire, lay tile, hang drywall, finish trim... I want to hire a GC to handle building the structure to weather (foundation, framing, siding, windows, roof) so I can handle all the inside work. It's kind of a hybrid situation because I don't necessarily want to manage the entire project, but I have to pull the permits otherwise I can't touch it at all. I have been in contact with my town's Building Commissioner and I am approved to do it all, but I could use some guidance.

[@pahouayang3336]

To become a building contractor, does it require any sort of education or experience. Or you just need to pass the exam and get licensed?

[@TaylanYalniz]

Can you talk about self-GC process for a PreFab home? Rather than site built?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

This can be a great option and the move I see a lot of home building moving to down the road. Yku will still need to handle all site conditions and excavation/foundation work, but the overall proceas is easier to manage if going the route of being your own GC as homeowner. Check out zipkithomes.com

[@Jason23941]

So I don't want to be my own contractor but also I want to live in a house. The current situation where I am, storm coast, is that there are not enough builders for demand. Work is slow or outrageous in price. What can I as a homeowner do to take on contractor like responsibilities to reduce the price and project load on a contractor I am able to get.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Talk to your local building dept about taking on the project as an owner/builder and see what criteria they require to do so

[@truckingwithtobee]

You didn’t mention your soil test or site work and things like that in the very beginning if you’re building a new residential home.

[@afrilove6901]

Hello. I am planning on having my home built where I act as the GC. What is the specific name or address of the site you showed us for the permit application?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

You need to find your local building department for the municipality that runs the area you are building in. They will generally have them online

[@javierarce5445]

What documentation you recommend me to have when I subcontract some one?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Collect a copy of the subcontractor's insurance and a subcontractor agreement between you and the sub, describing scope of work and agreed pay. Also, make sure you provide a lien release to them once their work is completed, both parties need to sign

[@cyvanderloo9831]

And then when you have the blueprints you can get bids from subcontractors that will come and bid on the blueprints

[@Darvineb86]

Hi Shane, I have a question; when it comes to scheduling inspections , can I delegate that meeting to the sub-contractor I hire or do i as a owner -builder / DIY GC need to be present ?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

The general usually takes the lead on meeting inspectors and scheduling inspections. Good subs will schedule their own inspections and some will meet and want to meet the trade inspector. But, that is because I have a great relationship with my subs and spent a million years finding great ones. Hopefully that answers your question. Thanks for watching💪🏻

[@Stop_the_cap311]

Question: for project valuation, is this the amount I am charging as a contractor? Or this trust the amount excluding profit?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Depends on your municipality. Some here require a audit at the end of the project. If we end up invoicing more than the project estimate submitted, we have to pay more on the permit fee

[@cindystokes8347]

The part you’re not admitting is that permitting bureaucrats may just decide they don’t want to talk to you if you aren’t a builder. Our excavator explained there is a bias against the owner builder. We are building in an area where all we really have to get past is the flood plain manager (unincorporated). I am unemployed and just have no choice but to do it myself. But I’m a trained project manager and the GC we were going to use was clearly marking up over 30%. Just can’t afford it. It will probably take longer but that’s okay.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

It has nothing to do with not admitting something. Every municipality can take their own approach to building requirements. Its a government agency and half the time they do not want to talk to anyone, including me. Its the worst part of my job. The issue with this industry and my profession is that everyone thinks it is the easiest part of the home building process and they csn handle being a GC. I am still unclear why this is seen as something anyone can do. Sure, you are trained to manage projects in some field, but why does that make you think you can build a house? It is not just about managing people. Electricians know nothing about structure. Plumbers know nothing about wiring a home. Carpenters and more specifically framers do understand structure on some level, and they can read a set of plans, but what happens when something is done wrong, or missed with framing? Or when they have a question about a truss label and where it goes? Are you going to be able to answer that question and fix it? What about rebar? What if there is a change that needs to be made? You will be the one in charge of talking with the architect and engineer for that change and they will look to you for answers. When an inspection highlights something that needs to be remedied, do you know the codes? See the problem is everyone assumes a GC just shows uo to make sure all the trades are working and nothing more. That is the EASY part. The GC wants to “mark up” your project 30%. Actually he is charging you to build a home. That is his salary, profit and overhead to build the home. He is not the reason you cannot afford to build. It is the material cost, the cost of sub labor and industry labor is through the roof, and hard costs like tap fees and permit fees are insane, not including the cost of the land itself. If another 30% is pushing you iver the edge, you don’t have the money to build regardless. Trust me. We are trained, licensed and insured for a reason, anf it is NOT to rip you off. Please do not mistake this video as a way to do something you are not trained to do or a way to suddenly makr home building affordable. This is not the answer to that problem. I am working on solving the affordability crisis and it has everything to do with construction methods alone. Be careful. I hope you can find a way to build your home. Maybe check out The Nook playlist on this channel to find some idras in other ways to build and bring down costs. Talk to other GCs. Get creative. We all have to at this point

[@cindystokes8347]

@@BuiltByBaileys wow… even more condescending when conversing with the comments section. I am partnering with my son-in-law who has experience with construction and me in project management and I have plenty of time, since lay-offs last February. I am very good at soaking up lots of knowledge without getting overwhelmed. We also aren’t building in Austin or I may be intimidated. But all we have to deal with, as I said, is the floodplain manager, who I’ve already met with twice and exchanged emails. I have discerned on my own that he is probably waiting for us to get to next steps and get the structural and civil engineer involved and already have a team engaged to determine what proposal will likely be approved by Mr. Floodplain. I’m the type who wants to look at all my options but am also decisive. And sorry, this isn’t rocket science. I have experience engaging people to collaborate when they aren’t required to. It was my entire job at Dell. I am good at collecting lots of advice not believing everything I hear the first time. But MOSTLY I need to stay within budget and there is just too much markup considering my available time and abilities to tackle this myself. I may not get it done as quickly, but I’m not in a particular time crunch. My favorite part about my decision is not dealing with condescending egos like yours who are simply insecure because what you have on your side is knowledge and that is being democratized by the internet.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

@@cindystokes8347 not sure how anynof that was condescending but you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Yoj were the one that jumped into the comments and went right after me claiming I was hiding something. I make these videos for free to help people out. Its funny how people forget that part. I am simply letting you know the realities of building. If it was about ego for me, I would not be doing any of this on You Tube. Thanks for judging me though. Makes total sense. And I never claimed any of this is rocket science. I have friends and family members who are actual rocket scientists, so I know what that entails. Again, assuming because you manage a team in a completely different industry means you can build a home can end up being a mistake. Take caution. Most of what my business does now is rescue homeowners from their own projects that have failed because of these assumptions. Texas as far as I understand does not require builders to be licensed and I have seen the fallout from this as well. I know several well known and very respected builders in Texas. They see a lot of the same issues from this type of thinking. Maybe ask Matt Risinger what he thinks. I would advise you to read through the comments section here and see if others feel I am condsending or putting out information that helps people. And if you have all the answers and information that you need, why are you here trolling me? Sounds like you have it handled, so you certainly don’t need any help from me. Again, I hope you can figure out a way to build your home. I am only doing this to put out content and information that people can use in all aspects of the building industry. I am not here to be negative and waste people’s time. Sounds like I have wasted yours, so that is too bad. Good luck to you. I will leave this thread up here as well so others can see it and possibly share their thoughts on any of this, because that is why I am here.

[@cindystokes8347]

@@BuiltByBaileys I’m not a troll. And I did not accuse you of hiding anything. I do believe you may not realize how condescending you sound. I apologize that I may have not been clear because the criticism regarding not talking to “civilians” was really directed towards the permitting offices. It’s their job to talk to anyone who wants to build. You don’t know me from Adam and actually think it’s okay to assume I am completely incapable of ramping up and taking on the task and you don’t even know who is in my corner. I am aware I’m in for a lot of hard work but at the same time, it’s not brain surgery either. I know I am going to be in for a lot of frustration that I could be paying someone else to deal with and I am prepared to pay that price.

[@cindystokes8347]

And it could be that I’m being defensive myself because I already deal with condescension and always have because I’m a woman. I happen to have a very practical and mechanical mind even if I don’t have the muscles.

[@SkyOceanBleu]

Didn’t know the permit cost is a formulaic thing based on cost of the project.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

It is here in Colorado

[@cyvanderloo9831]

I thought step one would be to hire an architect and get the design and then take that blueprint to the city to have it stamped and approved

[@ernieforrest7218]

First things first, you gotta put your cap on backwards.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Can’t see the logo if it is on backwards🤣

[@carolyngarcia6292]

Ugh …. I’ll probably need one for a home kit…. Especially since I have zero experience

[@qiujuzhang7521]

I’m in Lafayette IN. Which state are you in?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Colorado.

[@anthonyesparsen7776]

No professional home building contractor

[@bigjoshallen]

In GA they have a Law where if the home owner pull a permits you have to live in it for 2 years, How do flippers get around that law?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

have a licensed contractor do the work

[@cyvanderloo9831]

If you get a contractor to get another contractor yoga paying to contractors when in fact you could hire a subcontractor yourself if the contractor you hire has blueprints to look at.

[@yunngkhalifa]

Can you buy land,be your own GC,and sell a house with no degree or license🤔

[@BuiltByBaileys]

In most states, in order to be a spec builder, you need to be licensed

[@yunngkhalifa]

@@BuiltByBaileys is it separate from going to school 4 years for GC?

[@BuiltByBaileys]

@@yunngkhalifa ​ @Famous Jay not sure I follow what you are asking

[@SueLall1008]

I think you can as owner builder, sub all the work out, and at the end sell the property.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

@@SueLall1008 varies state to state. Check with local officials

[@cyvanderloo9831]

You're making it complicated when a home owner can just go and get an architect design everything and then you have your blueprints and then you can hire any contractor you want the one with the best bid. Or I guess I could pay the contractor to have a conversation with a plumber that has the plans that can say how much you going to charge this person and then just add a little bit for me for my time to talk to the plumber.

[@cyvanderloo9831]

If you get a contractor to get a architect you're losing money

[@shadeaquaticbreeder2914]

3:0 "what they will and won't allow you to do with your own property." Yeah no that's where I get lost. If it's mine you can't tell me I can't build a freaking deck or garage or add on to it or anything! It's insane that people so willingly allow these entities to control them so much for literally no reason. Why can't you build that or add on??? Well bc of $$ in the background that's it. Not bc it's dangerous or doesn't work or anything that would at least make some sense. No, it's bc some rich person/people paid money to make sure you can't do that bc that ensures they stay on the top and you never get there.

[@BuiltByBaileys]

Its not that a department cannot tell you what to build, it is that you need a PERMIT in order to build it

[@shadeaquaticbreeder2914]

@@BuiltByBaileys if you need a permit then by definition they dictate what you can and can't do. And that's not right to me especially when their 'standards' aren't even good.