Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors

Can you do your own work on your house, a complete addittion. Can I become the general contractor for the job?

Can you do your own addition to your house if you take responsibility as the general contractor of your home and get all the permits? Can I hire a subcontractor? If I do does he have to be licensed? All my electricians and plumbers are licensed in Chicago but does my subcontractor have to be as well? Let me know for 10 POINTS! thanks

Public Comments

1. You can be your own general contractor for your residence. Permits and code inspection scheduling will be on you. Generally, you must have a licensed tradesman (plumber, electrician, HVAC) on site when work in those areas is being performed but all subcontractors need not be licensed. Your plans, particularly roof trusses, need to be certified and sealed by an engineer. You may get caught up in worker's comp problems if you do not ensure all subs carry WC on their employees. If they don't, you as the General, are responsible for insuring the subs.
2. YES- You can be your own contractor as a "Homeowner/Contractor". The key here is to be very carefull of who you hire to do the job. There are construction "Contracts" you can have all your sub's submit to you (both of you sign). The more DETAILED and precise the contract is the better as to exactly what they will be doing for the money you will be paying them. You cab get these "Contract" forms at any Office Supply outlet or on-line. This step is CRITICAL-these contracts will hold up in court if necessary. CYA! As far as your sub's having to be licensed: Different States have different laws as far as if Sub-contractors needing to be licensed (EX: State of NC requires you to be licensed only if you do a job over $30,000.). Check with your state's Contractor's Board and they will give you the answer you need. And of course ALL plumbers and Electriciasns have to be licensed. Also-an FYI-different states have different Building Codes- Every step of your addition has to be inspected and to code before it passes in order for you to go to next step. Your local library should have your state's "Building Code" book on hand in the Reference Section. Any questions about codes at all- you can call your inspections dept. and an inspector should be glad to answer your question. GOOD LUCK!