Renovating - Hire a General Contractor ... or hire the Trades yourself. (...it's like having a party for 9-12 year olds)

I have done a lot of renovations over the past few years. I still don't pretend to know how to do it right.

Currently I have someone laying flooring in a rental property in Altadore, Calgary, AB. I hired him as he is a friend, and I've seen his work. It is nothing stellar ... but fine for my rental properties.

I was shocked when he asked me two weeks ago if I had any work. (Finding trades in Calgary who had time to work over the past three years has been very difficult. It seems as things are slowing.)

He knows I'm busy ... and while I could do the work myself - I don't enjoy this work. (Actually, I couldn't really do this work. I should be honest.)

He calls me about three times each day to update me on the progress ... and to tell me the most recent problem.

Yesterday, I told him that I hired him to do the job ... and I don't need to know all the details.

Over the years ... I mostly have hired the trades myself ... and managed the project. I have also hired a General Contractor ... as I was busy ... and did not wish to manage. (I managed the general contractor ... with just as much frustration as managing each trades person.)

I'm sure there is right way to hire ... and a right way to run the project. I just don't know how yet.

As I was driving yesterday ... I was thinking about how best to describe working with renovators. (A friend and client was looking for a referral to finish his basement.)

I think hiring someone to assist you with doing Renovations is like throwing a party for 9-12 year olds. If you are organized and on top of the plan, and checking in FREQUENTLY with the participants (babysitting lots), things will go well. If you are tempted to leave the participants, you may come back to tears and chaos.

Happy Renovating. I think this is possible. It's like bringing up children ... you do your best ... and try not to be to attached to the outcome!

My son turns 11 today ... and we'll throw a party for 10 of his friends ... which we'll organize and manage. It will likely go very well ... with no tears.