An Analogy between a General Contractor and a Home Improvement Contractor
Home improvements are inevitable parts of home ownership. We opt for this service because of several reasons like home décor requirements, product service obsolescence or home maintenance services. Before you opt for a home improvement, it is better to know the difference between a general contractor and a home improvement contractor. It will help you select the best service provider in Houston.
Home Improvement Contractors
There are mainly 2 types of home improvement contractors- one is ‘Chuck in a Truck’ and another is an individual company. Another name for ‘Chuck in a Truck’ contractor is ‘Pick-Up Truck’ remodeler. In most of the cases, these home improvement contractors work individually. Initially, they start as working as a crew member of some general contracting firm but after gaining some experience, they start their individual enterprise. The best thing about them is that they can offer you hands-on services. You can rely on them for simple jobs. However, believe in reliable references before hiring them up.
Individual companies may be run by a single owner or as a joint ownership. It is better to hire them for finishing small and easy home improvement tasks. Home improvement tasks mostly involve product replacement. Thus, it is seldom a possibility in the form of a big company playing the role of a sole manager of a home improvement task.
Home improvement is necessary to replace the malfunctioning products or that which have past its service life. Either a single or a couple of technicians are enough for replacing the malfunctioning products.
The aforementioned service is the biggest segment of home improvement. Semi-skilled non-licensed technicians are also capable of replacing the home products. One can separate these products into 2 categories- exterior and interior replacement products.
Usually, there is no need of hiring a licensed contractor for installing exterior replacement products that include fences, landscaping items, roofs, windows and doors. However, one needs to hire licensed technicians for installing interior replacement products. Such contractors need to serve apprenticeship courses and pass skill exams to qualify as skilled technicians in Texas. Usually, they serve as electricians, plumbers, heating and air-conditioning technicians.
General Contractors
The reputable general contractors are not required to be licensed in the State of Texas, but should be certified by an accredited national association. They possess skills for conducting successful structural modifications and complex home improvement tasks. Such projects involve structural design issues and need a certain level of coordination between the teams of construction management and home design. The general contractors act as the mediators and coordinators. Apart from serving the responsibility of successful managers, the general contractors bring a consensus between the design team and homeowners.
The general contractors in Houston bring the homeowners and the design team to a table and build a conceptual plan for the home improvement project. Apart from chalking a plan for practical necessities it also includes budget estimation. Only when a consensus is brought in between the 2 parties, the procedures required for home improvement begin. Compared to home improvement contractors, the general contractors have more skill, expertise, knowledge, experience and tactfulness. Their service charges are higher too.
