Preparing to construct a new home or a major renovation can be a challenging task. Many people prefer to let a general contractor handle everything so they don’t have to. However, some tasks can often be managed by those who are willing to put in some extra time on the building project in order to save money. Here are some typical tasks that the average person might be able to handle instead of paying construction crew to do it.
Demolition
Tearing down or taking apart some of an existing structure might not be as hard as it seems. For example, if you are refinishing an older part of the home, you might be able to take up old carpet or flooring as well as remove aged or broken furnishings like cabinets or shelves. Light fixtures, faucets, and appliances can sometimes be removed or replaced by someone with prior experience or the willingness to learn from tutorials. Even hiring a contractor to help with the project could be cheaper than letting him or her do all the work.
Cleanup
A construction crew usually includes a couple of team members who handle the cleanup work. This can involve sweeping, washing, scrubbing, and removing nails from the floor or cleaning out a basement or attic. If you and a family member or friend have the time and inclination, you can probably take care of these tasks instead of paying construction crew members to do it. Be careful working with electric or water, and be sure to obtain any required building permits before getting started. If you run into problems, contact an expert for advice or help.
Hauling
Removing the old construction, including broken items and huge amounts of debris, can be pricey when you rent a dumpster and hire professionals to drive away your construction waste. However, if you check out local garbage truck sales, you might find a great deal that could save hundreds of dollars on your hauling costs. Of course, if you already own a pickup or another large vehicle that can move the debris, you might save even more.
Equipment and Supplies
Many construction companies bring their own equipment and supplies. If something is needed, they will offer to buy it with their contractor’s discount from a local supplier. However, there’s a chance you could get the same items at a lower cost if you have them delivered or pick them up yourself. Compare pricing before having the construction team obtain the needed items.
Basic jobs like these don’t require years of construction experience. Some know-how and the ability to handle physical labor might reduce your construction costs by a considerable amount. Get estimates and compare prices for the best way to handle jobs like these.
