Considering being own GC
#1
12-19-04, 03:50 AM
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Considering being own GC
What if I can't read blue prints and want to be a owner builder will I need to go to school to learn so I don't seem so ignorant with subs?
#2
12-20-04, 12:32 PM
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noroomsforme,
Have you thought about going to the library and check out books on Blueprint Reading?
It's not that hard to learn but your subconctractors will know quickly any lack of knowledge you have. Going to school for this for a one time deal, or shall I say your first time, really isn't necessary unless you want to.
Hope this helps!
Have you thought about going to the library and check out books on Blueprint Reading?
It's not that hard to learn but your subconctractors will know quickly any lack of knowledge you have. Going to school for this for a one time deal, or shall I say your first time, really isn't necessary unless you want to.
Hope this helps!
#4
02-25-05, 06:48 PM
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#5
02-25-05, 07:56 PM
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Noroomsforme,
The local high schools have ROP classes for free and some of them offer drafting classes or construction classes. You can drop in to those during the appropiate hours and learn as much as you want. The local Junior Colleges also offer construction classes including blueprint reading.
The best suggestion I have is to borrow or buy a set of plans and sit down and start reading them. You will start to get a feel for the legends, notes, details and cross referencing. All designers and architects have there own quirks and habits. The plans are their art form and everyone is similar and yet different. There are hundreds of ways to build things and the one thats right is the one that works for you, so it is with drawing plans. The basic elements of the plans are hopefully the same.
As Doug said there are books in the library that will help. The other important element is the codes which are always used but not always noted. Most inspectors/plancheckers do not require every little code item be noted on the plans as the liability falls ultimately on the contractor. You will want to understand at least the basics with regards to codes. Many jurisdictions offer a very simplified code book for residential construction only, that you may want to check into purchasing. You seem to be very involved in the forum and it will be useful for all your projects.
Being your own contractor can be very rewarding both financially and self satisfaction. With construction comes liability and risk and that is what contractors are paid for. The higher the dollars, the higher the risk, the higher the reward. You would need to hire competent trustworthy sub contractors to make such a task work. Many of my framing contractors will run the sub contractors up to the close in inspection so they can control the schedule. Once the close in is passed the framers are done and then the knowledge neccessary to complete your home would be minimal.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Brian Garrison
General Contractor/Professional Building Designer
The local high schools have ROP classes for free and some of them offer drafting classes or construction classes. You can drop in to those during the appropiate hours and learn as much as you want. The local Junior Colleges also offer construction classes including blueprint reading.
The best suggestion I have is to borrow or buy a set of plans and sit down and start reading them. You will start to get a feel for the legends, notes, details and cross referencing. All designers and architects have there own quirks and habits. The plans are their art form and everyone is similar and yet different. There are hundreds of ways to build things and the one thats right is the one that works for you, so it is with drawing plans. The basic elements of the plans are hopefully the same.
As Doug said there are books in the library that will help. The other important element is the codes which are always used but not always noted. Most inspectors/plancheckers do not require every little code item be noted on the plans as the liability falls ultimately on the contractor. You will want to understand at least the basics with regards to codes. Many jurisdictions offer a very simplified code book for residential construction only, that you may want to check into purchasing. You seem to be very involved in the forum and it will be useful for all your projects.
Being your own contractor can be very rewarding both financially and self satisfaction. With construction comes liability and risk and that is what contractors are paid for. The higher the dollars, the higher the risk, the higher the reward. You would need to hire competent trustworthy sub contractors to make such a task work. Many of my framing contractors will run the sub contractors up to the close in inspection so they can control the schedule. Once the close in is passed the framers are done and then the knowledge neccessary to complete your home would be minimal.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Brian Garrison
General Contractor/Professional Building Designer
