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Choosing a structure for the management and manpower behind your remodel can be simple. While sub-contractors do specialize in a specific category of remodel–perhaps paint or plumbing or insulation–you’ll likely find that in-house contracting is preferable because of its simplicity and efficiency. Here’s why.

1. An in-house contractor’s first priority is the customer. While a sub-contractor also perhaps has excellence in mind, it’s not always the customer at the front of a sub-contractor’s mind. It’s the contractor. Maintaining that relationship for future jobs is perhaps what matters more in the moment. That doesn’t necessarily imply you won’t receive excellent work. But it may be a distraction. In addition, an in-house contractor cares not just about the plumbing or electrical work happening that day but about how the work done that day will affect the customer’s entire project, from relationships to budgeting to end-game deadlines.

1. Sub-contractors require a rotating need to verify licensing and insurance. It is of utmost importance that every person on a job site be insured for general liability, worker’s compensation, commercial car insurance, and error and omissions insurance. This protects the general contractor from responsibility if a sub-contractor’s employee is injured, if property is damaged, if a mistake is made, or even if there’s a claim of excess pollution from the job site. With an in-house contractor, you’re not continuously needing to inquire about proof of licensing and insurance. 

1. An in-house contractor creates stability. First, you avoid conflicting calendars. There’s not going to be a risk of multiple sub-contractors trying to get on site at the same time or Sub-contractor B having his or her work delayed because Sub-contractor A hasn’t quite finished. You’re also able to become familiar with who’s on site. By seeing the same team on your property day in and day out, you develop a level of trust.

1. Sub-contractors can result in project disputes. If deadlines and job-site standards aren’t met as requested or the budget takes a surprise hit, the general contractor’s pick for a sub can end up a disappointment. And a dispute can put a halt to construction progress until resolved. Sometimes a contract dispute looks like a sub-contractor feeling like he or she is being asked to perform work that wasn’t originally agreed upon, resulting in a request for more pay. There may be a need to file an insurance claim between companies, and a request for compensation is delayed or denied. An in-house team simply avoids many of these scenarios.

1. An in-house contractor allows for a team that has experience working efficiently under pressure. As in many industries, remodeling multifamily properties requires flexibility, commitment, and oftentimes patience and negotiating skills among teammates sharing the job. By avoiding regularly introducing new team members into the project schedule, your renovation team maintains a healthy chemistry based on previous experience.

At Alterra Multifamily Renovations, we do not use any sub-contractors. All of our in-house contracting teams are highly trained and respectful of your time and money. Call us at 615-438-5734 to see the difference working with a dedicated multifamily renovations team makes!