If you’re planning a major overhaul of your entire home, or want to build a home from scratch, finding the right general contractor for the job can make or break the project. Some general contractors are better suited to smaller projects, while others will have a team of sub-contractors geared up and ready to tackle a project on a much larger scale.
How easy is it to find the right general contractor for your needs, though? Let’s see:
Firstly, what size project are you planning?
Does your project require specialist knowledge? If you’re building a home or having your kitchen remodeled, for example, you’ll need a contractor with a team who knows how to work with concrete, wood, and a range of other materials. For smaller, more straightforward projects such as painting or putting up shelves, a general contractor without specialist skills will be suitable.
Define your project and research general contractors with the necessary skills and experience to complete the job successfully.
When carrying out research, don’t cut corners
It’s important to carry out thorough research when looking for a general contractor, and not just to go with the first one that has a flashy advertisement or promises the lowest prices. Read reviews, ask for referrals from friends and family and always check their licensing and insurance status.
Get estimates
Once you’ve found some general contractors that fit the bill, you’ll need to ask them all for estimates. Ask them for references, too, and don’t be afraid to contact them and ask whether the work was satisfactory. When you’ve narrowed down your choices to two or three, you can negotiate the price with each one.
Get a written contract
When you’ve selected a general contractor that has all of the necessary skills and knowledge and a good team of sub-contractors onboard, you can go ahead and get a contract from them in writing. Helping to protect both parties, this step is absolutely essential, and the contract should never be signed until you’re happy with every aspect with it.
Hiring the right general contractor for the right job can seem like a daunting task, but provided you don’t rush the process, and aren’t afraid to ask questions of both the contractor and their previous customers, you can’t go too far wrong.
Once you’ve found a reliable general contractor, the chances of your project being carried out to a high standard and meeting all of your expectations, increases tenfold, so take the time to get it right.
