What Would Bob Vila Do?

I've been getting a lot of questions about the Contractor Steve issue and just what the heck we are going to do now without a general contractor.  The short answer?  Yeah, we don't know yet. I spent some time falling down the Google rabbit hole today when I typed "how to contract your own construction project" into the search bar.  The first nine results were variations on YouTube clips from "This Old House" with Bob Vila.

Bob always makes it look so easy.  I watched a few clips for nostalgia's sake and because also, BOB VILA.  I thought he might have some tips for contracting a 1,000 square foot commercial space.  Turns out, most of it was about upgrading Victorian homes while maintaining a level of enthusiasm that I reserve only for shopping (and wine).

Where else would a legit would-be contractor turn for help?  Amazon.  One quick search revealed this:

I sorta of make myself giggle at the mental image of dragging this book around with me to meet the sub-contractors and whatnot.  But seriously, if the space already exists and we just need to finish it...could it be possible to do it ourselves?  (And I know that the book is for contracting your home and not a commercial space, but I figure we are one up on it because our structure is already standing and thus I can just skip all the chapters about buying land, pouring foundation, and shingles).

We know we need a plumber, an electrician, and an HVAC person (the totally sufficient three-ton unit needs duct work).  Because we are going Industrial Chic, we don't need any walls. We don't even need a ceiling installed.  Some countertops would also be a good thing.

So here is what we are thinking.  I'm going to take our architect plans to the city and implore someone there to help me figure out how to get permits.  Then, we are going to ask a plumber or come meet us in the new space as soon as we have a key (and that looks to be on target for Friday).  We are going to get a cost estimate and discuss what really has to be done to meet code and the architects plans.  I also need to hear how it works and what to expect (how long the work takes, do we buy the sinks, etc and then they install them or do they buy them at some sort of special secret plumber's warehouse?).  And then we are going to make a decision...

Amazon better ship my book, ASAP.

PS...are you a plumber, electrician, or HVAC person that loves pie, isn't easily annoyed by a lot of questions, and has patience?  do you know someone that fits this description?  email me at rebecca@pjpies.com.