A reputable general contractor can make your construction project a success. However, there are many things to consider when selecting a general contractor.
Evaluate a contractor’s credentials by reviewing their request for qualifications, customer references, and list of projects. Also, look at their insurance policies for liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
Experience
A general contractor has the responsibility of overseeing your entire project, ensuring that the work is done right. They must deal with contracts, motivate performance, and watch for quality, all while balancing the demands of their job. This is why it’s important to hire a contractor with experience. You want someone who knows how to delegate responsibilities to crew members and supervise them effectively.
Inexperienced contractors may not be as efficient, and they might not be able to complete your project in the time frame that you’re expecting. It’s a good idea to ask prospective contractors for client references and visit completed projects to see the workmanship and gauge the contractor’s ability to execute on your vision.
Additionally, look for a contractor who offers to give you a point of contact throughout the project. This is often a sign of transparency and open communication, which are key ingredients to successful collaboration. A client login can allow you to view site images, logs, issues, submittals, and RFIs to keep all parties in the loop regarding the project’s progress.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the contractor’s warranty policy and what guarantees they provide. Typically, a general contractor’s labor and material warranties last one to five years, while product warranties are at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Licenses
Despite how adept you may consider yourself with power tools or how extensive your toolbox is, there are always renovation and construction projects that are beyond the scope of what you can do yourself. Having a reputable general contractor complete these types of tasks ensures that the work is done properly and is up to code. Furthermore, having a licensed contractor can make it easier to sell your home in the future, as potential buyers can feel confident that the previous owners did their due diligence by hiring a reputable contractor for the work.
When selecting a general contractor, it’s important to check for their licenses and insurance compliance before beginning the project. Verify that they are licensed to operate in your area and that they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects both parties should an accident occur during construction.
In addition, a good general contractor will be able to provide you with the necessary building permits for your project. A reputable contractor will apply for these on your behalf without requiring you to do so, and will also be able to quickly address any issues that arise.
Finally, a reputable general contractor will have an established network of subcontractors to carry out any specialized tasks required for your project. Ask for the names of contractors that have worked with your potential general contractor in the past, and try to find out more about their reputation for quality of work.
Insurance
The type of insurance a general contractor has and maintains is an important aspect to consider when selecting one for your project. Licensed contractors typically have liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves and their clients against accidents or injuries that may occur on the job site.
Many states require GCs to hold licenses, which are usually granted after meeting minimum experience requirements, education and training, passing licensing exams, and fulfilling other financial or background checks. A license shows that a contractor has met state regulations and that they are committed to their craft.
A reputable GC will also carry adequate property insurance to protect their investments and clients against damage or loss resulting from construction projects. They may also have a workers’ compensation deductible, which is the amount of money that must be paid to an injured worker before they can collect on their insurance policy.
Lastly, a reputable GC will carry commercial auto and equipment insurance to cover the costs of any vehicles or machinery that are used for the project. In addition, a reputable GC will have professional indemnity and employment practices liability insurance to protect themselves in the event of a lawsuit brought against them by a client or employee.
The best way to assess a general contractor’s ability is to ask for references and contact past clients or industry professionals about their experience, professionalism, and communication skills. By prioritizing factors like these, homeowners can identify a qualified contractor capable of realizing their construction visions.
Communication
A good general contractor will communicate effectively with clients and workers throughout the project. Whether through email, phone calls, or text messages, they should be able to explain project details clearly and concisely. This will help everyone involved stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings. It is also important for a contractor to communicate regularly and provide updates about progress or any setbacks that may occur.
A contractor should also be able to answer questions about their experience, pricing, and project timelines. It is also a good idea to ask for client references that can be used to assess the contractor’s work ethic and professionalism.
Lastly, a general contractor needs to have strong organizational skills. They should be able to plan for any potential issues or delays, and they should also be able to track their budget. This will ensure that they are meeting their deadlines and not going over budget.
It is also a good idea to request multiple quotes from general contractors before making a final decision. This will allow you to compare their prices and services to see which one is the best fit for your project. However, be sure not to automatically choose the lowest price – instead, focus on finding a general contractor that provides value, transparency, and attention to detail in their proposals.
