When there is no need to do much coordination, wouldn't it be better to get the sub-contractors directly? I think the main contractor will push up the prices here and there.

Eg if you need a gate and windows, can go to one that specialize in gate/windows without going through the main contractor.

Wouldn't this be better?

Erm... As far as I know there is no different even if you go direct the price will be also higher then being purchase by the ID/Contractor.

Therefore I think its still better to engage a ID/Contractor as he can coordinate stuff for you and if there is any default you can get him

to arrange admendment for you.

then it must be becos the sub-con offer a better price to main con, and the main con earn from there

It's better to compare your obtained pricE against the contractor's. Your most likely would be highe.

Even theirs is higher, make sure it is within a comfortable percentage for their profit and attendance + coordination.

If for only gate & windows, I would go direct to supplier. If reno whole, best to get an ID for coordination & I believed the price will be more competitive than getting individually.

Edited April 21, 201016 yr by bepgof

Retail price to hse owners, contractor's price to contractor...contractor then mark up to retail price, and can be higher a bit or lower a bit, but they will do the coordination on when to come in, while doing, the workers may damage what, such as window, the workers will damage the walls surrounding it and the contractor will patch it back, throw the debris, clean the area. U coordinate yourself, u will need to patch it back, if not ask the window installers to patch it back which they may not do a good jobs on it, clean yourself and if need to paint the surrounding walls after the patching.

Edited April 29, 201016 yr by jaskel

Some chain reaction of effect that the owners need to know before hand before they look for their own suppliers.

i engaged subcontractors directly (ie electrician, carpenter, window/door supplier etc) and realised it is NOT cheaper at all, compared to engaging one main contractor.

i engaged subcontractors directly (ie electrician, carpenter, window/door supplier etc) and realised it is NOT cheaper at all, compared to engaging one main contractor.

Thanks for the info, I was planning to get direct contractor for all