Be Your Own General Contractor (With Someone in Your Corner)
You run the project. We help you run it well.
A lot of people in Pierce and King County build or remodel as the owner-builder. You hire the trades, buy materials, and make the calls. That's a big job, and that's where we come in.
Build Sherpas doesn't take construction contracts. You are the general contractor on your own project. We help with plans, permits, bids, schedule, and inspections, and we stay available for your questions.
What being the owner-builder means
Hire and pay the trades. Pull the permit. Schedule inspections. Handle the money: bids, contracts, change orders, and lien releases. Take responsibility for the site, including safety and insurance.
Washington rules: L&I has an owner-builder exemption with conditions. If you build to sell, or sell soon after, it may not apply. Hiring workers directly can trigger other L&I rules. Check with L&I and your building department. We're not attorneys.
Is it a fit, and how we help
A good fit: you have steady time, you're organized, and you want to understand your build. Not a fit if you need someone else to carry all the risk. In that case hire a GC; we can still help review bids.
Before you start: lot, plan, and permit path. Plans and permit: drawings and paperwork that match. Bidding: scope sheets and bid comparison. Building: sequencing, inspection prep, check-ins, and site visits by arrangement. Engineering questions go to Dow Engineering PLLC, and blower door air leak testing goes to WA Blower Door (https://wablowerdoor.com).
Building it yourself? Call 253-799-0606 or email office@dowengineeringpllc.com, or use the Contact Us button.
Build Sherpas is a trade name of Dow Engineering PLLC · 16202 64th St E Ste 117, Sumner, WA 98390