How Do You Choose a General Contractor?
Just about every quality construction project requires a reliable general contractor. You may have a vision for your remodeling or expansion project, but it takes a great general contractor to help bring that vision to life. Construction experts in this field help get projects off the ground. A general contractor helps you negotiate with the trade contractors, such as plumbers, electricians, and cement layers, to get you the best possible prices and the best possible products. So how do you choose a general contractor?
How Do You Choose a General Contractor?
You can talk with a building inspector, who’ll know which contractors routinely meet code requirements, or pay a visit to your local lumberyard, which sees contractors regularly and knows which ones buy quality materials and pay their bills on time.
Make sure the GC is properly licensed. Most states or counties as well as many large cities or townships license contractors; other jurisdictions require them to be registered. As a rule, licensing entails passing a test to measure competency, while registering involves only payment of a fee. If a problem arises, a government agency may be able to pursue a licensed or registered contractor on your behalf.
Ask Questions
Consumers Report writes, “Ask for a list of previous customers; then call them or, better yet, visit their homes to look at the work. Ask some penetrating questions such as these:”
- Would you hire this contractor again?
- Were you satisfied with the quality of the work?
- How did the contractor handle cleanup each day?
- Was the contractor easy to talk to?
- How did the contractor handle differences and work changes?
- Was the job completed on time and at the bid? If not, why not?
Industry groups recommend that when selecting a general contractor, you get a written estimate from at least three contractors. We suggest at least five bids. An estimate should detail the work to be done, the materials needed, the labor required, and the length of time the job will take. Obtaining multiple estimates is a good idea. An estimate can evolve into a bid—a more detailed figure based on plans with actual dimensions. Seeking more than one bid will increase your odds of paying less. Once agreed to and signed by you and the contractor, a bid becomes a contract.
Beware the Lowest Bid when Selecting a General Contractor
The lowest bid doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best bid. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. You might also buy your own materials to make sure the contractor isn’t substituting cheaper materials.
With a contractor, you want a project manager who will manage the sub-trades and make sure they are cooperative and stick to the schedule. Ask how the subs are paid, how often, and if they are paid as work is completed.
Put it in Writing
Draw up a contract that details every step of the project: payment schedule; proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation payments; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn’t pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers. Insisting on a clear contract isn’t about mistrust. It’s about ensuring a successful renovation.
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