Money Issues: Estimates, Contracts, Quotes, Bids and Purchasing
Pricing all the elements of a project like a kitchen can be complex. Each quote you receive should be on a standard printed form specifying price, terms of payment, what exactly is being done, who supplies what materials and when the work will be performed. The quote should also provide for a method of resolving […]
Read More..>>General Laborers
Your GC and the subs will use helpers, assistants, apprentices and other laborers for much of the less skilled tasks. Make sure they are properly supervised and not trusted with jobs beyond their abilities while remembering that many of these assistants are highly skilled. If you have questions about their work or behavior go to […]
Read More..>>Flooring Contractors
Floors are often the last item finished to save their surfacing from the wear and tear of the construction process. Leaving floors to last means not having to work around them during installation of heavy appliances, painting and other potentially destructive processes. Hardwood floors may be installed unfinished earlier, covered and then have final sanding […]
Read More..>>Cabinetmakers and Other Specialists
If your cabinetry is custom made or comes from a specialty supplier they may handle the installation themselves as will stone cutters and manmade counter material contractors. These specialists know their work and can assure a finished installation that suits the materials involved. Cabinetmakers may also do site specific installations of unusual cabinetry or pieces […]
Read More..>>Painters and Paperhangers
The finish on walls, ceilings and trim is done by painters and paperhangers, often the same contractor. Painting is a series of steps that can occur either after everything is done or during the building process. It is common to have the painters come in and prime all the new walls and do a finish […]
Read More..>>Drywall and Plaster Workers
Bare framed walls with electrical and other systems roughed in are ready for surfacing, usually with drywall and joint compound or blue board (a backing board) and plaster. The choice is sometimes regional with many areas typically using one system over the other. Plaster creates a very solid, textural wall but requires a high degree […]
Read More..>>HVAC Installers
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning or HVAC is a separate discipline that involves some of the skills used by both plumbers and electricians, combined with knowledge of heating and cooling systems, ventilation and control systems. Your kitchen not only requires heat and cooling, it needs a system to vent out gases and odors and bring […]
Read More..>>Plumbers
Plumbers do more than install sinks and toilets. Plumbing is a complex system involving temperature control, pressure control, drainage, venting and a lot of planning. Without expert knowledge of these subjects the system will not function well and may even represent a safety hazard. Plumbers, like electricians, are licensed and most plumbing work must be […]
Read More..>>Electricians
In many areas electricians are union members who have gone through a long and complex apprenticeship before winning their license. This license is important because in many areas you cannot have electrical work done by unlicensed workers for safety reasons. Electrical wiring is complex, especially with the large numbers of high powered appliances and potential […]
Read More..>>Carpenters
Carpenters are often on the job more than most of the other subs. Your GC may be a carpenter. They usually handle demolition, rough framing, cabinet installation and final trim work. Their framing often determines how easy things will be for the other subs. Framing is more than building walls, it means putting in nailers […]
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