Be Your Own General Contractor

Many people wonder if they can act as their own general contractor (or GC), manage the building of their cabin and save money on building their log home. If you

have experience in construction or are comfortable dealing with the many trades involved in building a log cabin

are very well-organized

can take time off from work or don’t have a job

Be aware that it is a much bigger job than you think and to save time and energy you must stay ahead of the rest of the building crews and follow a plan.

CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

These specifications will be used to obtain comparable and fair bids and will become a part of the final set of contract documents including the construction contract, contract specifications, draw schedule, log home package, change orders and building plans.

CONTRACTOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scheduling deliveries so that crews are not facing down-time

Timing the weather and dealing with the delays

Establishing contracts, financing and insurance

Drawing up a complete specification list

Checking deliveries of lumber and building products and returning incorrect items

Coordinating subcontractors so trades can get in and get out efficiently

Keeping the money flowing from draws or savings

Scheduling each step of the build process at the proper time

Checking completed jobs and deciding if it is correctly done

Following up on warranties and guarantees

Meshing the gray areas where one trade leaves off and another begins

Cleaning up the debris after projects are done

Keeping subcontractors happy knowing their work is appreciated

Reviewing building plans and ensuring things are built to specifications

Dealing with building codes, building permits and building inspectors

Supplying all the little items, often unclear who should provide and which, if ignored, can slow down a job dramatically (like nails, adhesive, batteries, insulation foam, work lights, extension cords, blades, etc.)

Ensuring that every subcontractor signs lien waivers for payment

Providing portable toilets on-site

Dealing with utility companies about running in water, electric and phone lines

CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

First, consider critical-path items that must be finished before you can move on to the next step. For example, you can’t install the main subfloor until the footers and foundation is complete, but you can’t pour footers and foundation walls until the excavation is completed.

Once you’ve established your critical-path items, fill out the rest of your building check-list in order, scheduling items and projects as early as possible.

Be prepared for weather delays, subcontractors not showing up by being delayed on cabin construction projects not as well organized as yours, errors in material deliveries, etc. Acting as your own general contractor you have nobody else to blame or turn to when problems arise.

Add in some time padding but keep pushing ahead and don’t accept excuses. It’s a fine balance between being necessarily selfish and aggressive enough to fulfill your building contractor responsibilities and still being understanding and flexible with other workers involved in your cabin build.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CONTRACTOR RICH

As your own general contractor you must forge ahead with the original plans and specifications unless something absolutely must be changed – then be prepared to lose time and spend money.

Even if you choose to work through a professional building contractor rather than acting as your own general contractor, understanding the issues and responsibilities of a GC will be useful in dealing with problems as they arise and, most importantly, accurately and thoroughly laying out the technical specifications and the complete meanings of those specifications.

Be Your Own House Contractor	Log Homes Made Easy