Need GC for kitchen renovation

R

Ralphie

500+ Posts
I have one quote and it's ridiculous. I am getting another today/tomorrow, but would like to have a third. Would anyone recommend a GC you have had first-hand, great experience with? Really don't need the hassle of someone who did a good job, but was difficult to work with, etc. Want to obvious traits: trustworthy, on budget, on time, job well done, etc.

Full reno. New cabinets, counter tops, wood flooring, wall removal which may require shoring up w/beam or post, some electrical. No moving of plumbing/water lines, gas lines, or anything like that. All appliances are going back in their current location.

Thanks for any referrals.
 
do you really need a GC for this? You might go to Loews or Home Depot and talk to them and see what they think. they might also have some recommendations for a GC that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
 
I think do, because I'm dealing with structural issues, relocating an air return, flooring, etc.

I need:
-new cabinets, full shootin' match
-countertops (read the thread on those last week, looks like I can save some cash with some suggestions there)
-electrical (changing to canned lights)
-paint
-flooring
-sheetrocking (around new posts)
-a beam(load)
-a post (load)

Just lots of things that require calling lots of different contractors.

Can I do it myself? I can make the time, I can do the demo, we can paint ourselves. I just don't want to get in over my head.
 
One of my best friends from college has a company who does this but his company will NOT be your cheapest quote. They might not be the absolute most expensive or "ridiculous" but they aren't the cheapest. Having spoken with him about this issue, however, I will VERY STRONGLY warn you against choosing your GC based on the lowest price. A lot of my friend's business comes from redoing jobs that were started by the contractor with the best price who has completely screwed it up. Anyway, if I were you I would meet with him and see if his price is competitive and I would personally guaranty anything he does as I trust the guy with my life. DO you want his number?
 
My son did a minimal kitchen makeover for us (painted the cabinets, walls, installed granite tile countertops & backsplashes, new sink & fixtures, and put in ceramic tile floors. The room looks fantastic, but he wasn't cheap either.

With the housing slowdown, even in Austin, you should be able to find somebody to do the work.

Not my son though, he's gonna do some restroom renovation at Shady Grove, then will return to my house for more work.

I see on HGTV a lot of kitchen remodels like you describe that run $40,000 - $$100,000.
 
John Roth. I have reccomended him without hesitation to many HF people.

He built the chicken house & tack shed out @ my Mom's, makes his own cabinets (has a garage shop to die for) & is a full on general contractor. He has one or 2 people that work with him & his work is timely.

Price - well, I don't have a clear answer for you on that one as I do roofing & not interior work.

John Roth - 512.970.2869

Be sure to tell him Mark the roofer sent you.

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Just be sure you have your plans & designs all worked out ahead of time so no changes need to be made in midcourse. Our house renovation took about 2 weeks longer because of numerous changes Mrs.Sco came up with, plus his helper was ill with the flu for one week. It took 12 weeks instead of the 10 he originally estimated.
 
The only thing in that list you need a contractor (or sub) for is the shoring up of the wall where you want to remove the post. Do you have access in your attic to this area? If so you can see if it is indeed laod bearing or not.

For everything else do it yourself and put your money into what folks see, counters, cabinets and flooring. Of course you are going to have to get dirty....
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Will call your guy, NCAA.

Summer, just last night, we were looking at everything and I came to the same conclusion. I would need them to shore up the structure, do some dry wall or wood facing around the new post and beam, and perhaps drywall the old electrical outlet holes. I can get the hardwood floors for inexpensive and a guy to install those.

Cabinets & countertops I can oversee. Painting we will do. I have a plumber. May need an electrician for the cans (if I can't find the guy I used to use).

I may go that route.
 
For your electrical needs, John can take care of that as well (especially where it concerns some sheetrock work).

If you want a real electrician, then I can give you someone's name as well. Shoot a PM for that info.

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I recommend Doug Galloway at TXStar Grand Builders.The Link
He does really good quality work and stays on top of any subcontractors to ensure they do a quality job. He won't be the cheapest either. However, you'll get plenty of detail regarding your project so you know what's involved in your project, how the project is doing, and when various stages will be completed.

One of his current projects is a full kitchen expansion and redo in Crestview (plus a master bath addition), so you could get a good view of one his projects in progress.
 
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