Contractor #1 vs. Contractor #2

[grey56]

We've had 2 contractors by the house now, giving us estimates on our reno project.  Based on what the numbers come back at...we would like to:
convert the 2 car garage into a family room
extend the garage forward, building a new 2 car garage off the front, into the driveway (need foundation)
add a second full bath in one half of the current dining room
extend the kitchen into the other half of the current dining room
make the current living room into the dining room (put the table in there)

We haven't heard back from either one on costs, so that isn't a factor yet.  But here's how they went.

Contractor #1:
2/11 - I called him, he said he was busy and he'd call me back
2/21 - I called him back, he said he was busy again and he'd call back
2/28 - he called back, planned to come over 3/2
3/2 - he came over, said the project was bigger than he expected, and we needed plans drawn up
3/4 - I called the guy he recommended for plans, which will cost +/- $1K
He does all the framing work then subs out the rest of the work.
Said it will take 8ish weeks.

Contractor #2:
2/21 - I called him, planned to come over 2/25
2/25 - he came over, said the project was a good use of space, and he had a girl who would do plans for $300
3/2 - he came over again with his electrician and plasterer to go over the scope of the project
He works alongside his crew for the duration of the project.
Said it will take 8ish weeks.

It's probably pretty obvious that I like #2 more.  But the part that's holding me back is how #1 noticed a bunch of stuff with our house.  Like the joists in the garage are 2x6 and they need to be 2x8 to meet code now, so they need to be redone.  #2 didn't say anything about that.  I feel like #1 is more thorough, but also more pricey.  Is $1K typical for plans?  I don't want to get stuck with redoing things that don't meet code per the inspectors, and I don't want to miss something that would end up costing money past the original estimate.  The other part that worries me...is I don't even know if 2x8 is correct.  What if 2x6 really does meet code and they're just pulling my leg for more work/pay?

We were burned by our last contractor who took $20K and ran.  It has taken us a while to recover from that (he demoed the entire inside of the house, then our lease ran out on our rental so we have to live in the house and do the reno work ourselves as we had the money to do so).  I think that is why I am so hesitant.

Any thoughts, advice? 

The other thing is, my dad is renovating a house, acting as the GC.  He drew up his own plans, came up with the design and everything.  The house has been gutted.  He has 1 carpenter working with him.  My dad will do some of the plumbing and electrical but get experts in for the trickier things.  My H doesn't want my Dad interfering b/c my dad tends to take over a room, very big personality.  I don't want to step on my H's toes but I feel like asking for my dad's help would save us a lot of money and we'd KNOW that we weren't getting screwed.  My dad is NOT a GC professionally - just super handy.  He's retired now and this is fun for him.  The house he's renovating is my BIL's, who wants to get into the real estate business with essentially flipping houses.

Sorry this got long.  I don't know who to talk to about this.  My H gets offended when I suggest my dad help, and my dad wants to take over the project already.

[emoflamingo]

Maybe Fox will come in and answer this, but is there any truth to being grandfathered into codes? I know that the thickness of plywood under roofing has changed since our roof was put on our old house, but because it didn't need replacing, they only replaced what needed to be done and the rest is kind of grandfathered in.

If you like #2 more, I would ask him about the things that #1 said.

If your H wants to hire someone, you have to just tell your dad. Maybe tell him you don't want him to overwork himself in his retirement so he can focus on his fun project with BIL?

[IIOY]

I'm no expert, but I agree that you should ask the contractor about code. You can also call your Township Director of Zoning and Planning (or equivalent title) and ask anonymously. If you are told you can be grandfathered in, make sure you document with whom you spoke, the date, time, substance of the conversation, etc.. You could even write a confirming letter, although that's the lawyer in me speaking. :-)

I will say that I'm looking at a huge project on my home and there has never been doubt on the part of any of the contractors with whom I've met that the new work must meet the current code. Then again, the current code demands better quality so that may be why the contractors are going with that.