Why do you need a General Contractor?
Why Hiring a General Contractor for Your Dream Home is the Smartest Choice (Even if you Think You’re a DIY Pro)
Building a custom home is one of life’s most exciting adventures — and also one of its most stressful. If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show, you know that behind every breathtaking kitchen or cozy backyard is a team of skilled professionals, often led by a devoted general contractor. But if you’re thinking, “Hey, I can do this myself,” let me tap the brakes — here’s why you probably shouldn’t.
1. Expertise and Experience: More Than Just a Fancy Resume
Sure, you’ve watched a few YouTube tutorials and considered yourself an amateur carpenter. But designing, budgeting, and managing a build is a full-time gig. A good general contractor has seen it all — from tricky foundation issues to material shortages — and knows how to solve problems before they become disasters. Think of them as your home’s trusted captain, steering through choppy waters with a seasoned hand. Jason Tanking Construction has been building homes in the Lawrence, KS area since 2009 and we’ve seen almost everything!
2. Time is Money — And Stress is Just, Well, Stressful
Building a home takes more than just weekends and a few evenings. It’s an all-consuming project that can turn your family into a bunch of hermits. The hours spent coordinating trades, inspecting work, and troubleshooting delays aren’t just inconvenient — they can strain your sanity and your relationships. Hiring a pro means one thing less to worry about, freeing you to focus on what really matters: your family, your job, and maybe getting some sleep. The subs that JTC uses have been vetted by us and they often offer us a discounted prices for continuing to use them, which also means they put contractor jobs at the top of their list (and self-contractor jobs are often at the bottom).
3. Clear Communication: Less “Lost in Translation,” More “Nailed It!”
Ever tried explaining a design concept only to realize your spouse thought you wanted something completely different? Miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes and endless frustration. A general contractor is like a translator, ensuring everyone’s on the same page — architects, subcontractors, suppliers — and that your vision doesn’t turn into a “what were we thinking?” mess. In addition to that, our goal as your general contractor is to keep the peace within your family and marriage! We want you to enjoy this part of your life- it is, after all, a dream come true.
4. Legalities, Permits, and Paperwork: Yeah, That’s a Thing
Building codes, permits, inspections — it’s enough to make your head spin. A seasoned contractor handles all the bureaucratic red tape, making sure your dream home is up to code and legal. Doing this yourself is a full-time job and comes with serious risk if overlooked. We also know what to expect as far as wait times or specific things they will need to pass inspection whereas this will tack on more time to a self-contractor who doesn’t have the professional expertise.
5. Cost Control — Because Budget Creep is a Thing
It’s tempting to think DIY saves money, but every change, every mistake, every delay adds up. A general contractor keeps an eye on costs, negotiates with vendors, and catches issues early, saving you from budget-busting surprises. They have the experience to keep your build as financially sane as possible. Does the cost fluctuate from the original bid? That’s almost a given! But we know how to gauge and predict potential costly hiccups far better than any meteorologist can predict the weather. Time is money and if you’re self-contracting you’re likely adding more cost to you overall home price than if you would have just used a contractor from the start.
In Conclusion: Get a Pro, Not a Project.
Building your dream home is a monumental, exciting endeavor — but it’s not the time for a do-it-yourself experiment. Hiring a professional general contractor means expertise, efficiency, and peace of mind. Plus, it leaves you more time to enjoy your new home instead of living between drywall and endless meetings.
So, sit back, relax, and let the pros do what they do best — build you a home you’ll love for a lifetime (without losing yours in the process).
