Hiring a contractor in NH: What you need to know about working with multiple contractors
There are a lot of reasons why a homeowner might want to hire different contractors to work on their projects simultaneously. Maybe one contractor had the best price for your kitchen remodel, and another had a better price for the bathroom renovation. Or perhaps you really like your electrician and would like them to rewire your home while a general contractor handles the rest of the project.
Has this left you wondering:
Is it okay to hire multiple contractors for a project?
If I hire different contractors for different aspects of my project, will they get along?
What happens if one contractor’s work impacts the other contractor’s timeline?
Whose responsibility is it to coordinate the contractors’ schedules?
Are there special permit requirements for hiring multiple contractors on the same project?
What happens if one contractor damages another’s work? Who is responsible?
In this article, we’ll explore the details of hiring multiple contractors, weighing the pros and cons, so you can decide if this approach is right for your project.
Is it okay to hire multiple contractors for a project?
Yes, it’s possible to hire multiple contractors, but it comes with more responsibility. When you manage different trades—like an electrician, plumber, and carpenter separately—you take on the role of project manager. This involves creating a schedule that aligns their work, ensuring they stick to the design plan, and resolving any conflicts that arise.
If you're organized, comfortable coordinating between professionals, and have the time to dedicate to overseeing the project, this approach can work for you. However, keep in mind that any delays from one contractor can impact others. You’ll need to stay on top of their schedules, communicate often, and be prepared for unexpected challenges. Hiring a general contractor takes this burden off your shoulders since they’ll handle these tasks for you.
Are there risks to having different contractors working on my home at the same time?
Yes, several risks come with having multiple contractors working simultaneously. The most common issues include conflicting schedules, worksite overlap, and inconsistencies in quality. For example, if a plumber needs to access an area of the house that the drywall contractor is already working on, it could cause delays or even lead to one contractor needing to redo their work.
There’s also the challenge of making sure each contractor sticks to the same design plan and standard of quality. Without a general contractor managing the overall vision, you might have to serve as the go-between, ensuring consistency. This could become especially challenging if one contractor finishes their part of the job and moves on before the next contractor has had a chance to check for alignment with the overall plan.
That said, if the contractors are working on separate areas of the home and there’s clear communication, these risks can be minimized.
Will multiple contractors collaborate with each other on a project?
Contractors often work alongside other trades, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always collaborate smoothly—especially if they haven’t worked together before. Each contractor will have their own approach and workflow, and if their schedules or methods clash, you may find yourself acting as the mediator. You’ll need to relay information between contractors, which can be time-consuming and add stress to the project.
For larger, more complex renovations, the risk of miscommunication or mismatched work can increase if no one is managing the overall project. General contractors typically have strong relationships with their subcontractors & trade partners and know how to coordinate efforts to avoid issues. Without that coordination, contractors may prioritize their part of the job without considering the overall project timeline.
Will the contractors work together to manage the project schedule, or is that my responsibility?
In most cases, contractors won’t manage the project schedule for you, especially if they’re working independently of one another. Each contractor typically focuses on their specific scope of work and timeline. If there’s no general contractor overseeing the entire project, the responsibility of coordinating schedules, ensuring all tasks are completed in the right order, and managing any conflicts will fall on you as the homeowner.
Contractors may be used to working with other trades on-site, but without a central figure like a general contractor managing the overall schedule, there’s a greater risk of miscommunication or delays. It’s important to set clear expectations upfront and communicate regularly with all parties to keep the project on track. That said, it’s often easier to hire a general contractor to take on this role, especially for larger or more complex projects.
This brings us to some key considerations:
How do I coordinate the schedules of different contractors to avoid delays?
Coordinating schedules is one of the most challenging parts of managing multiple contractors. It requires creating a detailed timeline that aligns their work, ensuring that each trade can complete their tasks in the proper sequence. For instance, you can’t have the drywall contractor finish their work before the electrician has installed wiring.
To avoid delays, you’ll need to build a project plan with clear milestones, buffer time for unexpected delays, and regular communication between contractors. Weekly updates or meetings can help everyone stay on the same page. However, even with the best planning, unexpected issues like material delays or weather setbacks can occur, which means flexibility in your schedule is key.
While it’s possible to manage this coordination on your own, it can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have experience in project management. Hiring a general contractor simplifies the process since they will handle the coordination and scheduling for you, ensuring the project moves forward without unnecessary delays.
What happens if one contractor’s work impacts another contractor’s timeline?
This is one of the most common challenges when managing multiple contractors. For example, if the plumber takes longer than expected to finish their work, it could delay the tile contractor, who can’t begin until the plumbing is complete. This creates a chain reaction, leading to further delays and potential cost overruns.
When working with multiple contractors, you’ll need to actively manage these situations. You may have to adjust timelines, reschedule contractors, and ensure that all parties are aware of the updated plan. Without someone like a general contractor to step in and resolve these scheduling conflicts, the responsibility will be yours. Being proactive and maintaining open lines of communication with all contractors can help reduce the impact of delays, but it can also be a time-intensive process.
Will hiring different contractors for different parts of the project make the project go faster?
It might seem logical that multiple contractors working at the same time would speed up the project, but this isn’t always the case. Coordination between contractors can be tricky, and if one person falls behind, it often creates a domino effect that delays other parts of the project.
General contractors have experience managing these timelines and ensuring that each stage of the project flows smoothly into the next. They know how to navigate unforeseen challenges, like a delay in materials or a trade contractor running late. Without this oversight, the responsibility for keeping things on track falls on you.
In theory, managing multiple contractors could work, but unless you have the time and project management skills to handle everything, it’s unlikely to result in a faster project. In fact, it may lead to delays if any contractors fail to coordinate properly.
Will I save money by hiring individual contractors for specific tasks?
It’s true that hiring individual contractors might save you money upfront, as general contractors have a fee for overseeing the entire project. By managing the different trades yourself, you may avoid that fee. However, the potential savings often come with trade-offs. The time you spend managing schedules, solving problems, and ensuring quality control can outweigh the financial benefits.
Additionally, without a general contractor’s oversight, small mistakes or delays could go unnoticed until they become bigger (and more expensive) issues. If you’re confident in your ability to manage the project and have trusted contractors in mind, you might see some savings—but for more complex remodels, those savings may be offset by the extra coordination efforts required.
How do I handle budgeting and cost tracking when working with several contractors?
Budgeting and cost tracking become more complicated when you’re managing multiple contractors. Each contractor will have their own payment schedule, pricing structure, and scope of work, making it essential to track costs individually. You’ll need to maintain detailed records for each contractor’s materials, labor, and payments, ensuring you stay within the overall project budget.
To keep things organized, consider using a project management tool or spreadsheet to track payments and expenses. It’s also helpful to create a payment schedule tied to project milestones, so you only release funds once specific tasks are completed. Without a general contractor to manage this, you’ll need to stay on top of financial tracking to avoid unexpected cost overruns.
How do I ensure consistent quality across different contractors’ work?
Ensuring consistent quality when hiring multiple contractors can be challenging, especially since each contractor may have their own standards and methods. Without a single point of oversight, such as a general contractor, the risk of inconsistent workmanship increases.
To reduce this risk, be clear about your expectations and provide each contractor with the same detailed design plans and scope of work. Frequent site visits, regular check-ins, and inspections are essential to catch potential issues early. You’ll also need to be proactive in ensuring each contractor’s work aligns with the overall design plan and quality standards.
If you have concerns about maintaining quality control, you could consider hiring a project manager or consultant to oversee the work. This would give you an extra layer of assurance without the need to hire a full general contractor. However, this approach may add to your overall costs, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against the additional expense.
Are there any special permit requirements when hiring multiple contractors for the same project?
Yes, permits are often required for home renovations, and managing multiple contractors can complicate this process. Each contractor may be responsible for securing permits for their part of the work (for example, an electrician might need a specific permit for rewiring), but as the homeowner, you’re ultimately responsible for making sure all required permits are in place.
Working with a general contractor simplifies this process, as they typically handle all permit-related tasks. However, if you’re managing the project on your own, it’s essential to stay on top of which permits are needed and ensure they are secured before work begins. Be mindful of New Hampshire’s building codes and regulations, as failure to obtain the proper permits could lead to fines or delays.
How do I handle cleanup and site maintenance when I am working with several contractors?
Site cleanup and maintenance are critical but often overlooked aspects of a project, especially when multiple contractors are involved. If no one is clearly designated to handle site cleanup, it likely won’t get done, which can lead to safety hazards or delays as clutter accumulates.
Before the project begins, it’s important to determine who is responsible for cleaning up after each day of work. You can include this in each contractor’s contract or hire a separate cleanup crew to manage the site. Establishing clear expectations for cleanliness and site safety ensures the project runs smoothly and minimizes the risk of accidents or damage.
What happens if one contractor damages the work of another? Who is liable?
Accidents happen, and if one contractor damages another’s work, determining liability can be tricky. Typically, the contractor who caused the damage would be responsible for repairs. This is one reason why it’s important to verify that all contractors have proper liability insurance before the project starts.
In some cases, the damage might not be immediately visible, so regular inspections throughout the project can help catch issues early. Clear documentation of the worksite and each contractor’s progress can also protect you in case of any disputes over liability.
Who is responsible for resolving disputes between contractors if they arise?
If disputes arise between contractors, it will fall on you to mediate unless you’ve hired a general contractor to oversee the project. Disputes could occur over scheduling, workspace conflicts, or the quality of work. Without a central figure like a general contractor to resolve these issues, you’ll need to step in and manage any conflicts.
To minimize the likelihood of disputes, make sure you have clear contracts in place that outline each contractor’s scope of work. Open communication is key—if a disagreement occurs, sit down with the contractors involved and discuss the problem. It’s also helpful to have a written record of all communications and agreements, as this can help resolve disputes quickly and fairly.
Is it better to hire multiple contractors for different tasks, or should I hire one general contractor to manage everything?
The decision to hire multiple contractors versus one general contractor depends on your project goals and how much time and effort you want to invest in managing the process. Hiring individual contractors gives you more control over each aspect of the project, and it may save you money in some cases. However, it also means taking on the responsibilities of project management, including coordinating schedules, handling disputes, and ensuring quality control.
A general contractor, on the other hand, provides the convenience of managing the entire project for you. They handle everything from permits and inspections to scheduling and contractor coordination. While you may pay more for their services, a general contractor can often streamline the project, reduce delays, and prevent costly mistakes.
For larger, more complex renovations, hiring a general contractor is usually the smarter option. But if your project is more straightforward or if you have experience managing renovations, hiring individual contractors could work for you.
If I hire a general contractor to remodel one part of my house and a different general contractor to remodel another part of my house, will that cause problems?
While it’s possible for two general contractors to work on separate projects in your home simultaneously, it’s generally not recommended. Each general contractor will have their own team, schedule, and way of doing things. Without a clear leader overseeing both projects, there’s a risk of coordination issues and delays.
For example, if one contractor needs to shut off the water or electricity, it could impact the other contractor’s work. Or if inspections are required for both projects, conflicting schedules could slow down progress. If you do choose to hire two general contractors, it’s crucial to communicate with both and ensure they are aware of each other’s timelines and needs. However, to simplify the process, it’s often easier to hire one general contractor to manage both renovations.
In conclusion: Should I hire multiple contractors or trust a general contractor to handle everything?
Hiring multiple contractors gives you more control and may save you money in some cases, but it also comes with significant responsibility. From coordinating schedules and managing budgets to resolving disputes and ensuring consistent quality, overseeing multiple contractors can be time-consuming and stressful.
For most homeowners, hiring a general contractor simplifies the process and reduces the risk of delays or issues. However, if you have experience managing renovations and are comfortable taking on the role of project manager, hiring multiple contractors could work for you.
Need help with your renovation in New Hampshire?
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation and want expert management from start to finish, consider working with a professional general contractor in New Hampshire. At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we specialize in managing every detail of your home renovation, ensuring a smooth and seamless process. Let us handle the coordination, scheduling, and quality control, so you can enjoy watching your dream kitchen or bathroom come to life! Contact us today to get started!
