Why hiring a general contractor for your custom built-ins is a mistake
When planning a custom home or remodeling project, many homeowners turn to general contractors to request quotes and bids. While general contractors are often seen as the go-to professionals for large-scale projects, there are compelling reasons to consider seeking out a reputable, local, woodworker for your built-ins. After a few recent conversations with some of my customers about their experience getting bids from contractors, I was shocked to pick up on a seemingly common practice for GC’s, who frequently use off-the-shelf cabinets and install them in a “custom” configuration for custom cabinet prices. Unfortunately, some homeowners in cases like this miss out on opportunities to really achieve the fully-custom built-in they could have had if they had only known better what their options were. Here are my top reasons that hiring a GC for your custom built-ins is probably a mistake:
1. Your project is probably too small to get a GC’s interest
It’s no surprise and you probably can’t blame them. Contractors are looking for the biggest jobs they can manage to keep their employees busy for as long as they can. Keeping their teams engaged is critical to the future success of that GC’s business so they continue to have a team they can rely on for the next job. A lot of contractors have minimum contract values in the hundreds of thousands of dollars that need to be met if they’re going to expend their resources and commit to a job that’s worth the squeeze and your budget for custom built-ins is probably not approaching their minimum. That’s why it’s not surprising to hear so many stories of potential customers getting the silent treatment from GC’s when they want a quote for built-ins. It happens all the time.
On the other hand, a local craftsman is likely going to return your call, answer an email, and give you their honest opinion about ballpark pricing, design options, and lead time. They’re also likely very interested in working with budgets and price points much lower than a GC’s minimum contract requirement.
2. Limited Customization Options
As I eluded to earlier, GC’s may have limited access to specialized materials or suppliers, restricting your customization options. If your space, for example, requires a custom-sized cabinet so that you can go wall to wall and avoid interfering with the casing around the entrance to an adjacent room, a GC’s off-the-shelf solution isn’t going to work. A custom woodworker, on the other hand, can source high-quality materials from a wider network of suppliers, allowing you to create truly unique and personalized built-ins designed and purpose-built with your unique space and requirement in mind. This can result in a more visually appealing and functional space.
3. Quality and Craftsmanship
A custom woodworker is dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted pieces. Don’t get me wrong…this is not to say GC’s produce poor work, but GC’s are typically not doing the work themselves either. If a GC does take on your project, you don’t necessarily know the quality or reputation of the subcontractor they’re going to hire to fulfill this order. A local craftsman, on the other hand, likely takes extreme pride in their work and pays attention to every detail, from the selection of materials to the finishing touches, and will probably have a portfolio of work to back this up. This level of craftsmanship is often unmatched by the mass-produced products that general contractors may source.
Conclusion
While general contractors may be a convenient choice for large-scale projects, seeking out a reputable local custom woodworker for your custom-built-ins can offer numerous advantages. From ensuring quality craftsmanship and personalized service to creating truly unique and beautiful spaces, working with a specialist can result in a superior product that exceeds your expectations for quality and price. By taking the time to research and select a skilled woodworker, you can create a space that will be the envy of your friends and family.
