Renovating a bathroom typically involves a plumber, an electrician, a tiler, a painter, and sometimes a carpenter. Managing 5 tradespeople with 5 schedules, 5 invoices, and 5 different contacts can quickly become a nightmare. The solution? A single point of contact who coordinates everything for you.
The Nightmare of Managing Multiple Contractors Yourself
When you coordinate multiple trades yourself, problems arise quickly:
- The plumber finishes late, the tiler can’t step in as planned
- The electrician blames the plasterer for a misplaced cable
- Nobody is responsible for the final result
- Your schedule explodes: 3 weeks become 3 months
- Your budget too: delays = extra costs
The Concrete Advantages of a Single Coordinator
1. ONE Schedule, ONE Responsible Party
The general contractor or project manager establishes an overall schedule. The plumber works BEFORE the electrician, who works BEFORE the plasterer. Each trade arrives at the right time.
2. Clear Responsibility
If something goes wrong, you know who to contact. No more “it wasn’t me, it was the other guy.” The general contractor assumes overall responsibility.
3. Real Savings
| Situation | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 separate contractors | 100% (baseline) |
| General contractor | 90-95% of price |
| + savings on avoided delays | -10 to 20% |
The general contractor negotiates better terms with its subcontractors and spares you the extra costs caused by coordination problems.
Case Study: Bathroom Renovation
Scenario A: You Manage Everything Yourself
- You look for a plumber → 2 weeks
- Plumbing quote → 1 week
- You look for an electrician → 2 weeks
- Electrical quote → 1 week
- The plumber does the work → 1 week
- The electrician is no longer available → 3 weeks of waiting
- And so on…
Result: 3-4 months instead of 3-4 weeks, stress, budget overruns.
Scenario B: Single Point of Contact
- You describe your project on tack.lu → 1 day
- You receive 3 all-inclusive quotes → 1 week
- You choose and sign → 1 day
- The company coordinates everything → 3-4 weeks
Result: works completed on time, budget respected.
General Contractor vs Project Manager: What’s the Difference?
| Criterion | General contractor | Project manager |
|---|---|---|
| Carries out the works | Yes (own teams or subcontractors) | No (consults companies) |
| Responsibility | Overall, for the result | For the coordination |
| Price | All-inclusive fixed price | % of the works amount |
| Independence | Its own teams | Chooses the best providers for you |
Learn more about project management →
When to Choose a Single Point of Contact?
YES, definitely if:
- Your project involves 2+ trades
- The budget exceeds €10,000
- You don’t have time to coordinate
- You lack construction experience
Maybe not necessary if:
- Only one trade is involved (just painting)
- Small budget (under €5,000)
- You’re a construction professional yourself
How to Find the Right Partner on tack.lu?
- Describe your project in detail
- Receive up to 3 quotes from verified companies
- Compare prices, timelines, and references
- Choose with full knowledge of the facts
FAQ
Is it really cheaper with a single point of contact?
Often yes. The general contractor negotiates better terms and helps you avoid extra costs from delays and defective work. On a €50,000 project, savings can reach €5,000 to €10,000.
Can I control the quality of the works?
Absolutely. You remain the project owner and validate each step. The general contractor or project manager keeps you informed, and you can visit the site.
What happens if I’m not satisfied?
The general contractor is your sole point of contact and carries the responsibility. It must fix defects at its own expense, unlike separate contractors who pass the buck to each other.
