Choosing Between Do-It-Yourself vs. Hiring a General Contractor in NYC

 

With the advent of Pinterest, do-it-yourself projects have been more and more common. Doing a home renovation, or building it yourself can be a great way to save money and allow for more control over a project but this requires time, skill, and the proper tools and materials. On the other hand, hiring a general contractor can alleviate much of the stress and responsibility involved in a project but it comes with a higher cost.

General contractor in NYC is revered for their skills in construction management. With the multiple NYC requirements in building renovations and construction, it isn’t easy for just anybody to file a permit at the DOB. Many requirements entail a lot of research, and experience prior to beginning a project so deciding on hiring a general contractor in a city like NYC is more practical in terms of stress, effort, and time.

Constructing or renovating in NYC can be challenging for a number of reasons. The strict building codes unique to NYC gate-keeps anybody from just altering, remodeling, and building a project. Obtaining permits can take a lengthy and complex process, not to mention time-consuming. Additionally, due to the high cost of land and labor in the city, construction costs in NYC are generally higher than in other parts of the country. Finding a suitable and available NYC luxury builder can also be difficult, as demand for their services is high. However, with proper planning and preparation, construction and renovation projects in NYC can be successful.

If you are still evaluating whether to tackle a project DIY or through hiring a general contractor, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Saving money can sound tempting when choosing to do-it-yourself, but setting realistic expectations on your DIY project should start from an honest view of yourself. Weigh your skill level, and the amount of effort that needs to be put into a project, and evaluate your capability to complete building DIY. Do you have the right tools to start? Can you handle logistics? Are you willing to be flexible when tackling solutions to challenges faced during the process?
2. DIY may save cost on general contractor fees, but have you considered how much you could potentially save by doing the work yourself. Consider and estimate tools, permits, labor, materials, and their logistics when estimating to know and understand your budget.
3. Are you in a rush to complete a project? Do you have the bandwidth to do it until completion? Understand what is worth your time, how long you need to spend on a project, and how quickly you need the project done.

Choosing between the two depends on factors that are personal to each and every home/business owner. Research well and budget plenty of time when you choose to do-it-yourself, but learn when to need a professional. Mistakes especially on big projects can incur serious consequences and entail more costs when the renovation is done wrong. Ultimately, the decision between doing it yourself and hiring a general contractor depends on your budget, availability, level of skill, and desired level of involvement in the project.