Hello and good evening,
Which craftsman company should do what,
That doesn’t work; after all, the potential client is seeking a general contractor/general planner (or construction supervisor like us) precisely to save money. But this can only work if the managing director retains control over the decision of which craftsmen perform which trade. In the selection, long-standing cooperation often plays a big role; not least also the price for the respective trade. For example, craftsmen can more easily "swallow" a lower wage than usual on the market with the knowledge that – provided they do their work properly and well – follow-up orders will automatically come their way. However, this does not mean that additional services have to be purchased expensively. It’s all a question of respectful interaction; craftsmen are people just like you and me.
Own contributions in some areas (not just the famous floors and painting),
That is always possible in certain areas. Our clients just have to be aware of how a craftsman is treated if we still have services to provide. So nothing like – I’ll just take my time until kingdom come. That’s why it’s always cheapest if the own contributions start where the contractually owed service ends. That can, for example, already be the case with drywall construction.
have certain areas done by external planners,
Which ones? The heat load calculation or the calculation of the ventilation system?
discuss certain executions beforehand...
How much detailed knowledge do you have of which trade? I have been doing the job for 19 years now and I would consider it presumptuous to claim that I know every necessity or every execution... and I stick my nose into many things; much to the chagrin of architects and construction managers.
Yes, you will surely tell me now that all that is possible with you – unfortunately, I know enough general contractors where you’re no longer the client...
No – that would be a lie and therefore would not come flying off my keyboard. Always everything nicely within the realm of what is feasible; after all, my building owner/craftsmen put their heads on the line when it comes to warranty!
There should also be commendable exceptions there
Oh – I happen to know exactly that there are far more exceptions than the black sheep you described.
The worst, in my opinion, are sample appointments (preferably everything in one day) – although there are big differences there as well.
We fundamentally don’t do that, but always trade-specific. Anything else makes no sense!
And ultimately, quality plays a role – a general contractor is different there than an architect, who should be an expert though. Don’t take it amiss, but a general contractor is quicker to cover up botched work...
An architect can cover up botched work just as well; neither is better if they set out to do so. The goal of every reputable architect or construction supervisor, however, is to carry out their orders carefully and promptly; otherwise no client would recommend them.
Rhenish greetings