Be remodel's boss and save money

Right now it seems frugality is back in fashion.

Everyone is giving tips on how to save money and make your dollar stretch further.

Even when it comes to remodeling there are ways to save and stretch your dollar.

While we don't necessarily recommend it to everyone, several of our clients choose to save money by serving as their own general contractor.

As the GC, you would hire subcontractors, manage the schedule and oversee the construction job. This is a good option for someone who is detail-oriented, knows exactly what they want and has more time than money. The handy man (or woman) with a good understanding of construction and how all the parts of the house work is best suited to be their own general contractor.

Knowing professionals in the industry also comes in handy when you are taking on the general's job.

You pay a general contractor the big bucks because he already knows which subcontractors are reputable and which ones you should run from screaming.

As the manager, your biggest responsibility is hiring the subcontractors who will do the work.

Start with the usual suspects. Who do you know who had some work done on their house? Who did they use? Was it done on time and within budget?

Drive around neighborhoods you like and find out who's doing work there. Talk to subcontractors you've already vetted. If your carpenter recommends an electrician he works with frequently (and it's not his ne'er-do-well brother-in-law), that's a solid lead.

Once you get names, you want to learn all you can. Google them. Get a long list of references and talk to them. Examine past work in person. Arrange to meet them on a current job site.

Once you get a handful of subcontractors you like (three to five), start penciling in what your picks will charge to do each job. And remember that the low bidder doesn't necessarily do the best work.

One of our clients, Rob Andrus, remodeled houses as a hobby for 15 plus years before he decided to tackle his own major remodeling project.

His dad and two brothers make their living as professional contractors. With his knack for construction and a little advice from his brothers, he decided being his own general contractor would be a good way to save money on the construction costs.

Some professionals say you can cut as much as 40 percent of the cost of your job, especially if you do some of the work yourself, while others believe 10 percent to 20 percent is more realistic.