Finding Contractors for garage remodel
I am looking for help/leads with finding a contractor in Nashville. We have had multiple people never show up when they say they were, multiple people show up and say they can get a quote for us and then never hear back. I have a friend that does this work, but he said he is a year out for starting jobs. I had an understanding that it could be this way, just did not think it be this challenging. At this point, we really are just looking for someone that can say yes and get a contract signed, even if they are a few months out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
We recently bought our first home in August and are trying to convert the garage to a another bedroom and bath. The space is already climate controlled and has plumbing due to washer. We are looking to raise the floor, frame the garage door and put windows in, and add some plumbing to cerate the bathroom.
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I don't know anyone in Nashville, but I can offer you some advice from a contractors perspective...
Jobs like this - converting non-livable space into livable space - are rarely as simple as you'd think. Assuming you want to do it legally/correctly, it's going to involve plans, permits, city inspections, and possibly engineering. Most of this work has to be done before construction begins. So, if you don't already have city approved plans, I would suggest starting with a local draftsman or architect. Once you have plans, contractors will know you're serious and be more open to investing the time it takes to write up a bid. Do you already have an idea of how much you're willing to spend total? You'll also want to make sure your expectations are reasonable before you start spending money on plans.
I don't know anyone in Nashville, but I can offer you some advice from a contractors perspective...
Jobs like this - converting non-livable space into livable space - are rarely as simple as you'd think. Assuming you want to do it legally/correctly, it's going to involve plans, permits, city inspections, and possibly engineering. Most of this work has to be done before construction begins. So, if you don't already have city approved plans, I would suggest starting with a local draftsman or architect. Once you have plans, contractors will know you're serious and be more open to investing the time it takes to write up a bid. Do you already have an idea of how much you're willing to spend total? You'll also want to make sure your expectations are reasonable before you start spending money on plans.
@Jordan Carter I might know someone, let me try and get ahold of him and I'll message you
My advice is to sub this job out yourself. You will have much better luck than trying to get a GC. You will pay STUPID high prices right now for any GC you get. Good or bad. They are all busy doing much easier jobs for very high fees. This is a small job and you will pay a ridiculous premium.
On another note - I would not frame your garage door. I would get an insulated door and keep the opening. It's a cool trend right now and provides tons of natural light.
Hello Ryan, thank you for saying that. Yes my wife is an architectural drafter, so we already have worked through the plans and have everything set. We have not pulled any permits yet and have been waiting to talk with a contractor about how they want to proceed with that.
Hello Luka, thank you for the response. We actually did look at doing that ourselves. We have not pursued that route yet due to the water heater/washer being out there for our live-in house. Did not want to go too long without those while trying to raise the floors and work on the plumbing. We may look into it again since you mentioned that.