Unit development advises

Unit development advises

Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2017 · 107 posts · 35 votes

Good morning fellow investors, I am about to break ground on my first development project which entails adding 7 units on a lot that already has 2 units on it. Although, I completed several gut renovations including garage conversions, in the past, I recognize that this is a different beast. Thus, I’m going thru background and experience checks of GCs, with relevant experience before selecting one instead of using my usual crew which doesn’t have such experience. So I’d like to get some different insights and perspectives from experienced developers on things that I need to focus on and not overlook during the GC selection and later development process. I’ll be developing more and more and as such looking for a long term collaboration. Also, I found 2 ideologies regarding such development projects: Use one GC for the entire development or use that GC only for crucial trades such as foundation, framing, roofing , external siding, etc. and use sub contractors for finish and interior work to reduce cost. My current preference is the first option as I’d like to minimize our oversight, but any perspectives on this matter? Furthermore, how important will be to have one of our team members providing oversight of the development process and what level of oversight is needed if the first option is selected. Finally, any advises or tools on how to better manage the development process, track expenses and monitor budget? Any advises will be vastly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

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  • Ty CouttsBusiness Member
    Lender · Denver, CO · Member since 2022 · 467 posts · 230 votes
    1y

    Hey Michael,

    Congrats on your first development project! For the GC selection, focus on experience with similar-sized projects and strong project management skills. Check references, and ensure they have a reliable network of subcontractors for specialized work.

    Regarding whether to use one GC or separate them, the first option is more efficient for oversight, but it can come at a higher cost. If you opt for the second option, you’ll need to coordinate more closely with multiple subs, which could be time-consuming.

    It's crucial to have a team member overseeing the project, even if you choose one GC. They should track progress, quality, and ensure the budget and timeline stay on course. Use tools like Buildertrend or CoConstruct to manage the project, track expenses, and maintain clear communication with the GC and subs. Regular progress meetings and budget reviews will help you stay on track.

    Wishing you success with your development!

    Ty Coutts - Aslan Home Lending 544 Reviews
  • Adam KingBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · San Diego, CA · Member since 2023 · 87 posts · 45 votes
    1y

    Hello @Michael Ndjondo makadi. 

    Congratulations on braking ground. Interviewing multiple GC's is the best way to operate, but make sure you are communicating to them that you may want to limit their scope of work as you may intend to SUB out some of the work ourself. 

    If you are a person who has a full time job, or runs other companies, it is my professional opinion that you will be better served having the GC handle everything and report to you on your schedule.

    Once you decided to run the operation yourself, you are now employed by the development. This means taking days off of work to handle business, dealing with the subs and any deficiencies they may have, spending time dealing with the city, for both permits and inspections.

    Having GC doing everything won't entirely eliminate your time cost, but it can mitigate it to an extreme degree.

    My take is that if you are confident that you can be as fast as the GC in handling everything and there is no negative impact to your other business then by all means do it. If that is not the case and you will have to take time away from your other business, and potentially delay project completion, it seems best to use the GC for everything.

    Adam King - NewTown Real Estate520 Reviews
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