Getting bids while working with a GC—okay?

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Getting bids while working with a GC—okay?

Mary PastoralPro Member
Investor · Columbus Ohio · Member since 2022 · 27 posts · 34 votes

Hi! We just bought a property to use as an STR. Before closing, our GC did a walkthrough, but once his HVAC and electrical teams came out, they found more issues than expected and more than the home inspector noted. My question is—can I still get bids directly from other pros (HVAC, electrician, etc.) even though I’m already working with a GC?

This is my first time working with a general contractor since our previous rentals were managed by property management companies. If it matters, this is our first investment property that is within 20 minutes of driving distance from us and that is why we are self managing this time. Thank you! 

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Mary Pastoral:

Hi! We just bought a property to use as an STR. Before closing, our GC did a walkthrough, but once his HVAC and electrical teams came out, they found more issues than expected and more than the home inspector noted. My question is—can I still get bids directly from other pros (HVAC, electrician, etc.) even though I’m already working with a GC?

This is my first time working with a general contractor since our previous rentals were managed by property management companies. If it matters, this is our first investment property that is within 20 minutes of driving distance from us and that is why we are self managing this time. Thank you! 

There's no reputable, quality general contractor that is going to look kindly on you if you start getting bids 'behind their back' so to speak. You either go with them or you go by yourself is the way it works. And generally you will save money and a lot of headaches by just letting them run everything.

this is not only my opinion but based on experience of many decades as a general contractor.

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Mary Pastoral:

    Hi! We just bought a property to use as an STR. Before closing, our GC did a walkthrough, but once his HVAC and electrical teams came out, they found more issues than expected and more than the home inspector noted. My question is—can I still get bids directly from other pros (HVAC, electrician, etc.) even though I’m already working with a GC?

    This is my first time working with a general contractor since our previous rentals were managed by property management companies. If it matters, this is our first investment property that is within 20 minutes of driving distance from us and that is why we are self managing this time. Thank you! 

    There's no reputable, quality general contractor that is going to look kindly on you if you start getting bids 'behind their back' so to speak. You either go with them or you go by yourself is the way it works. And generally you will save money and a lot of headaches by just letting them run everything.

    this is not only my opinion but based on experience of many decades as a general contractor.

    3Reply
  • Mary PastoralPro Member
    OP
    Investor · Columbus Ohio · Member since 2022 · 27 posts · 34 votes
    1y

    We definitely want to keep a good relationship with all we work with so I had to double check here. Thank you for your guidance. I appreciate it. 

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  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    1y

    Have found that if you send 3 different contractors to a property, they'll all find the same 90% problems, but 10% will be unique - due to their own experiences.

    It's frustrating, but part of the process.

    Just be sure to NOT just do everything suggested! Some of it will NOT be actually needed.

    As an owner, you need to take the time to understand each issue and decide how much of a priority it is.

    [email protected]248-209-6824
    Logical Property Management4.9469 Reviews
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  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Mary Pastoral:

    Hi! We just bought a property to use as an STR. Before closing, our GC did a walkthrough, but once his HVAC and electrical teams came out, they found more issues than expected and more than the home inspector noted. My question is—can I still get bids directly from other pros (HVAC, electrician, etc.) even though I’m already working with a GC?

    This is my first time working with a general contractor since our previous rentals were managed by property management companies. If it matters, this is our first investment property that is within 20 minutes of driving distance from us and that is why we are self managing this time. Thank you! 


     yes 100% and we do this all the time. Definitely get other bids. 

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  • Caleb Brown
    Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    I would be upfront with them if you are wanting more bids. I doubt there will be a ton of variance. If you get 3 bids and one is way lower than I'd be leery of them. Most important part with GCs is getting an itemized bit that shows each item. 

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  • Karen MargraveBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Realtor, General Contractor, and Developer · Redding, CA · Member since 2009 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    Unless you signed some type of agreement with the contractor, yes, you can get more bids. However; it's important to understand that in most states, home inspectors are NOT licensed contractors, and they usually will disclose that, and that you should have certain things looked at by licensed trade. Apparently the GC did that, and you don't like that they found more than the unlicensed inspector noted. You can shop around until you find contractors that will get on board with what you want done, or have a talk with the GC, ask if all the items are necessary, and if so, get more bids from other subs. Your GC can get the bids, or you. 

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