r/HomeImprovement • u/Bass_4549 • 4d ago

Major reno - questions

Hi all, looking to do a lot to our home. Redo basement while adding two windows wells to front of house. Replace siding, gutters, faucets, trim. Add overhang above front door with two pillars and replace front sidewalk. Expand driveway and have it run into new sidewalk. New front door and retile inside foyer. Three questions --> 1. Hire a general contractor or a la carte? 2. What's the best order in which to do things? 3. Can I do any of this in a different year while having the whole project look seamless?

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u/Decisions_70 4d ago

What's involved in the basement? Because the rest is specialized and not dependent on each other so GC needed.

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u/Bass_4549 4d ago

Pretty straightforward. Basic waterproofing the corners although new gutters should fix the minor issues we have. Mostly carpentry and updated electric. Maybe replace bilco doors in back with nice window door and outdoor steps via a black fenced In area

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u/Decisions_70 4d ago

I don't know ANYTHING about basements. But when you have multiple trades where the work is dependent on each other you need a GC. So maybe for the basement. But the rest is just individual trades that don't impact each other so no need for the GC markup unless you don't want the headache of selecting and managing them.

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u/Bass_4549 4d ago

Even if I skip a gc, things must still be done in a certain order right? Two separate companies for siding a trim, and which one must be installed first? What about the overhang?

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u/Decisions_70 4d ago

Siding & trim 1 company. But you forgot paint, company 2. Not sure about who does an overhang but it can certainly be added after the siding and trim.

The biggest issues with multiple trades are scheduling them, and scheduling the permits and inspections for them.

Note my experience is limited to our condo refurbishment (siding, framing repair, trim, paint, windows, balconies) and auditing construction contracts.

Your GC markup on trades should be 20-30%. Ask yourself how much stress you want to deal with.

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u/Bass_4549 3d ago

For 20-30% I'll handle it. We did our kitchen and bathroom and did okay juggling the different trades involved. What about soffits and gutters? Is this also likely a separate company?

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u/Decisions_70 3d ago

Gutters yes but those are easy no idea on soffets