How to hire a contractor

    Although our name is self explanatory, some have expressed a vagueness of comprehension regarding responsibilities RHR is intended to fulfill. To clarify this, a comparative table has been presented below. Although RHR will administrate subcontractors on the client's behalf, it is inappropriate to expect RHR to guarantee the intentions and quality of those over which we have no control.

Shaded areas indicate typical responsibilities.

From these tables you can see that average general contractors should never be called upon to install hardwood or marble floors, cabinetry, wrought iron, cornice molding, or fireplace surrounds. They simply lack the skill. 

It is  foolhardy to expect a G.C. to accurately estimate the cost of electrical or plumbing work performed by others. Before contracts are signed, a G.C. has very little access to a jobsite. Structures must be fully examined by mechanical contractors for hidden issues that invariably complicate their installations. This is not the province of a carpenter. 

Let's think this through:

• Customers usually are recommended to host three G.C.s to estimate the value of the proposed work
• Each contractor ought to host each of his subcontractors separately  to solicit bids and examine the layout.
• Occasionally, a contractor's first choice declines the project after seeing it.
• This requires the contractor to host another subcontractor at your house
• If this subcontractor has already visited the house with a different G.C., it is only appropriate for them to decline.
• likewise, if you are impressed with the qualifications and personality of one contractor and a different subcontractor, it would be a conflict of interest for that subcontractor to undermine the G.C. who gave him the initial recommendation.
• Almost always, as the process continues, the customer becomes better educated and specifications change. (this naturally, is a good thing) If  a dozen subcontractors are involved though, communication will break down, and compromises will have to be made in selecting dissimilar offers. 
• Subcontractors are overwhelmingly apathetic to the homeowner's needs. (you aren't their customer) If you don't believe this, ask yourself "why do you want a G.C. to deal with them?" is it not the same aversion?

How many people are visiting your home?

If you follow conventional advice and the G.C.s have been diligent in their efforts to provide you with a truthful calculation, you will have spent two weeks of eight hour days meeting contractors nonstop and answering calls. Don't you have a job? The only alternative then, is to leave your door unlocked at all times and give all parties freedom to visit at will. Not an attractive option, is it?

The above scenario is unlikely. General contractors usually are not diligent in these areas. There is often one result. Disappointment and resentment are ensured. Without due preparation, estimates must be exaggerated, or omissions are unintentionally made which prevents primitive contractors from completing the projects satisfactorily.

Why do this? Why beat your head against a wall?

5 steps to preserve your sanity

1. Read a DIY book! A $20 investment can save you years of grief. Really. 
   • Although the info contained within these books is usually somewhat inaccurate, it will increase your familiarity with terms. see our glossary also
2. Hire an Architect, interview him/her with the same technique as listed below for a general contractor
   • Review a blueprint from them. Ask for a scrap to show your prospective contractors how thorough the architect's plans are. (they always have scraps... plotters have paper jams as much as the printer you have at home )
   • If an architect doesn't fully detail their drawings properly and provide schedules, a few General Contractors will not accept the project. (guess who?)
3. Find a General Contractor
   • Interview them based on their knowledge and empathy for you. If they know more than you and your little DIY book, you've weeded out about 75% of contractors. (sad, isn't it?)
   • Discuss your vision with them, let them know just who you are and what you want
   • Tell them your budget. Cynics assume that if they do this, what ever they say will arbitrarily be the number in the estimate. Don't kid yourself, your lack of expertise naturally leads you to underestimate the value of the improvement. This is the same trap that the primitive contractors fall into. If the G.C. knows your budget, he can better anticipate your needs and give you a better mix of services to suit your priorities. (in essence: shoehorn the work into your budget.)
   • Collaboration between G.C. and Architect is essential, arrange a meeting.
4. Hire a demolition contractor
   •  Have them meet with the contractor you've selected and perhaps the architect at the jobsite upon commencement of demolition to ensure that certain items are not destroyed.
5. Hire the necessary contractors (Electric, Plumbing, General)
   • After demolition has progressed to the point where any hidden conditions are exposed, solicit proposals from your potential contractors
   • At this point, bids will be more competitive and specific, as there is no ambiguity concerning required changes