6 Steps to Picking the Right General Contractor for Home Remodeling

Hiring the right general contractor is one of the most important things when starting a remodeling project. That’s because the general contractor takes responsibility for the entire project. A good general contractor oversees all the work, subcontractors, and scheduling. They can make the project run smoothly and finish on time. A bad general contractor can make the entire experience miserable. Unfortunately, there are good and bad general contractors out there. This article will teach you to pick the right one for your job. So, if you’re getting ready to start a home renovation project, keep reading to learn 6 steps to picking the right general contractor for home remodeling.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Understanding the Role of a General Contractor

Procore, a construction management software firm based in Carpinteria, CA, recently published an article that states “A general contractor is the person or company responsible for overseeing a construction project. Property owners typically hire general contractors to ensure a construction job is completed safely, on time, and according to specifications.” A general contractor can do some of the work themselves, but they will hire subcontractors for work requiring specialized skills or licenses. For example, a general contractor may use employees to tear out, hang drywall, and paint. However, they may hire subcontractors for tasks like electrical work or plumbing.

When you work with a general contractor, all communication about the project should go through them. So, while you may talk to employees or subcontractors, keep the GC in the loop on all conversations and decisions

Subcontractors only work on their portion of the project, while the GC works on it from start to finish. If you are unhappy with any portion of the project, address it directly with the general contractor. It’s their job to resolve every problem, making it easier on the client.

6 Steps to Picking the Right General Contractor

Step 1: Define Your Project

Defining your project is the most important thing you can do. General contractors cannot read minds, so don’t assume they know what you want. To help them see your vision of the final product, provide examples of designs you like. Snag pictures from social media and magazines. If you love your neighbor’s kitchen, take some pictures. After that, start an outline of the details of your project, taking into consideration all the things you will need to complete it. 

For instance, if you are remodeling your bathroom, you may want a new shower or tub, toilet, vanity, tile, and paint. In addition to all that, there are other things to consider. Do you want new lighting, and where will the new lighting be placed? Will new light fixtures have different sized mountings? Will you need to resurface the walls or ceiling? Do you want to add electrical outlets? Do you need new bathroom sink fixtures? Now is the time to consider the details that will better define the project.

The more details you provide, the better, but you will probably miss things your contractor will ask about. That’s okay. Between your list and your contractor’s suggestions, your contractor can accurately estimate the project’s cost. And most importantly, you will have fewer surprises after the work starts.

Step 2: Create the Initial List of Potential Contractors

The next thing to do is create a list of contractors you want to estimate the job. Start by asking friends and family for referrals to good contractors they know. Next, search for good contractors online. Type things like “Bathroom Remodeling Near Me” into the search bar. You will get listings of contractors in your area that offer bathroom remodeling services.

Narrow the list by visiting their websites and reading reviews on Google, Yelp, and local guides. Some guides, like Angi, can provide a list of contractors in your area, but contractors pay for their listing, so don’t assume Angi is vouching for their quality or endorsing them. Always check out reviews and see if the contractors respond to them. Responding to reviews is a good sign they want to engage with customers.

When you finish this step, you should have a good-sized list of options.

Step 3: Check Credentials

This step is very important because there are some “contractors” out there that are not licensed or insured. They may have skills, but without the proper credentials, you cannot be sure you are getting work that will conform to current building standards or pass inspection. Additionally, companies who lack insurance may leave you holding the bill if accidents happen. Make sure your contractor has these credentials.

1. Licenses: Now that you have a list of contractors you think you want to use, it’s time to investigate their companies and confirm their licenses. Not all general contractor licenses are the same, so they must hold a license that covers your type of project. Big jobs like room additions and new home construction require special licenses.
2. Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is very important. There are many different types of liability insurance for general contractors, and some are legally required. At a minimum, it needs to cover accidental damage to yourself and your property. 
3. Surety Bond: A surety bond protects you if the general contractor doesn’t finish the job or comply with building codes.

At this point, you should be able to narrow your list to three or four licensed general contractors.

Step 4: Interview Potential Contractors

Next, schedule an appointment with each contractor on your list. Have them come to your home to define the project and show the space. Your detailed project outline will come in handy during this step. Take this opportunity to learn about their process and listen to their ideas.

Remember, this is a job interview, so now is the time to decide which contractors will be a good fit. Based on your discussions, determine how professional they are, whether they communicate clearly, and whether you would trust them to be in your home alone if you are at work.  

Step 5: Get Detailed Estimates

At the end of each interview, ask for a detailed estimate. Estimates should be broken down by task and priced separately. Look for a breakdown of labor and materials for each task. Ask questions on anything you need help understanding. You deserve a completely transparent estimate, so you know what you are paying for.

Make sure permits are pulled when required. Get a timeline with the project’s steps and an estimated completion date. Once you have an estimated completion date, add a couple of days because unexpected things often come up.

Finally, find out how payments are accepted and when payments are due. Never pay the full amount of the invoice in advance. Some people hold back a small portion of the final payment for a few days after the contractor completes the work. That way, the work crew will return to fix anything that needs attention.

Step 6: Check References

The last thing is to check references. Ask each contractor that sends an estimate for references and call each one. References may have given glowing online reviews but may provide more information based on their experience with their project. Ask about everything important to you. For example, if cleaning up at the end of every day is important, ask about that and press for an honest answer. You might be surprised to hear candid comments you didn’t expect.

After you’ve checked the references, it’s time to select your general contractor.

The Importance of a Written Estimate

Once you’ve picked your GC, get a final estimate or written contract that lists each task, the timeline for completion, and the payment schedule. It is very important that everyone is on the same page before the work starts.

Maintaining a Good Relationship with Your Contractor

Congratulations! You’ve selected a contractor who understands the full scope of your project. They have the experience and expertise to deliver the renovation of your dreams and are properly licensed and bonded. Most importantly, you trust them and feel confident.

Once the work starts, it’s important to maintain a good relationship with them. Little things go a long way, like providing ice water and a cool space to work in. If unexpected problems arise, be understanding and work with them on a solution you can live with. If the solution pushes back the completion date, get a new “finish” date and hold them responsible. Being professional and courteous at all times will help if things go sideways.

Conclusion to 6 Steps to Picking the Right General Contractor for Home Renovation.

Picking the right contractor is important to ensure your home remodeling project runs smoothly and you are happy and satisfied when the project is complete. However, finding the right contractor requires some effort. These six steps will help you pick the right contractor for your project, saving you frustration, surprises, and heartache. Ambrose Remodeling has been the right general contractor for countless people looking for luxury home remodeling. They are licensed, insured, and bonded. Their design team can create a vision of your new room while our construction experts can deliver it on time and within budget. Best of all, once we start a project, we always complete it before starting work on another project somewhere else.

Ambrose Remodeling is a licensed general contractor in Clearwater, FL. We offer luxury home remodeling and specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and general remodeling services. Our team of construction and renovation specialists are experienced and dedicated to their craft. Plus, we own a cabinet company and a state-of-the-art woodworking company to transform your home into a showplace of design and gracious living. To start your next project, please call us or visit our contact page.