A general contractor oversees the entire construction process of your home or commercial building. They are the point of contact for any and all questions that arise during the project, including obtaining permits and scheduling subcontractors to do specific work on the building. They also make sure that the project stays within budget and on time.
The Right General Contractor For Your Needs
A good contractor will have experience in your type of project and will have all of the permits and licenses needed to complete the work. He will also have a portfolio of previous projects that demonstrate his expertise and quality of work.
Finding a good contractor is important for any residential or commercial remodeling or repair project, as you want to be able to trust that your home or business is being built by someone who knows what they are doing and will do a great job. If you aren’t sure where to start, try asking friends and family who have recently done a remodel for their advice or go online to search for reputable reviews and referrals for contractors in your area.
Ask for References from Past Clients
When you find a few contractors who seem to be a good fit for your home, ask for three or four references. You should also call these people to see how they were treated and if the project went as expected. You should also take note of any negative or positive comments you hear about the contractors from their references.
Check for Consumer Complaints
The Better Business Bureau is an excellent resource to find out if there are any customer complaints filed against the contractors you are considering hiring. If a contractor has received many complaints, it is usually a sign that they may be inexperienced or may not be following best practices when working with clients.
Get a Written Bid and Price Estimates from the Contractor
Before hiring a general contractor, it is a good idea to get written bids from at least a few contractors who specialize in your project. This will allow you to compare bids and prices and find out which contractors provide the most value for your money.
You should also take into account the total amount of time that it will take to complete the project, as this will determine how much the final cost will be. It’s also a good idea to get estimates from at least two or three contractors for smaller projects and one or two for larger ones, so that you can be sure to find a contractor who can deliver on your expectations.
Meet the Foreman and Make Sure They Can Complete the Project
Before you hire a general contractor, ask them to meet with you in person and show you their current job site. This will give you an idea of their level of professionalism, communication skills and how they manage their crews. It will also allow you to see if they are easy to work with and whether they can complete the project on time and within your budget.