How to Choose the Right General Contractor for Your Project

Why Choosing the Right General Contractor Matters

A general contractor is the single most important hiring decision you will make on any major construction or renovation project. The right GC will keep your project on schedule, on budget, and built to the highest quality standards. The wrong one can turn your dream renovation into a nightmare of delays, cost overruns, and subpar workmanship.

Whether you are building a new home, adding a room, or undertaking a major renovation, this guide will help you find and evaluate general contractors to ensure you choose the best professional for your specific project.

What Does a General Contractor Do?

A general contractor manages every aspect of a construction project. They obtain permits, hire and coordinate subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, framers), order materials, schedule inspections, manage the budget, and ensure all work meets building codes. Think of the GC as the project manager who turns your plans into reality while you go about your daily life.

Good general contractors bring years of experience, established relationships with quality subcontractors, and the project management skills to keep complex construction projects running smoothly. This coordination is what you are paying for, and it is well worth the investment.

How to Find Qualified General Contractors

Start with Recommendations

The best way to find a reliable general contractor is through personal referrals. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who have completed similar projects. Real estate agents, architects, and building supply store managers are also excellent sources of referrals to reputable contractors.

Research Online

Online contractor directories like FindMyContractor allow you to search for licensed, reviewed contractors by location and specialty. Read customer reviews, check ratings, and view project portfolios. Look for contractors who have experience with projects similar to yours in terms of scope, style, and budget.

Questions to Ask Every General Contractor

• How long have you been a licensed general contractor?
• Can you provide proof of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation)?
• Do you pull all required building permits for your projects?
• Can you provide references from three recent projects similar to mine?
• Who will be the on-site project manager and how often will they be present?
• How do you handle change orders and unexpected issues?
• What is your payment schedule?
• What is your warranty on workmanship?
• Will you use subcontractors, and are they also licensed and insured?
• Can you provide a detailed written estimate and project timeline?

Evaluating General Contractor Bids

When comparing bids from multiple contractors, resist the temptation to simply choose the lowest price. Instead, evaluate each bid based on the completeness and detail of the proposal, the quality of materials specified, the contractor's experience with similar projects, their communication style and responsiveness, online reviews and references, and the clarity of their contract terms.

A detailed bid that clearly outlines every phase of work, specifies exact materials, and includes a realistic timeline is worth more than a lower bid that is vague about materials and scope. The more specific the bid, the fewer surprises you will encounter during construction.

The Contract: Protecting Yourself

Never start a construction project without a comprehensive written contract. The contract should include a detailed scope of work with specifications, a firm price or detailed cost-plus terms, a start date and projected completion date with penalties for significant delays, a payment schedule tied to project milestones, a change order process, warranty terms, permit and inspection responsibilities, and insurance requirements.

Have the contract reviewed by an attorney if the project exceeds $50,000. The few hundred dollars you spend on legal review can save you tens of thousands in potential disputes.

Find Trusted General Contractors

Browse verified general contractors on FindMyContractor to find experienced professionals in your area. Compare ratings, read detailed reviews from past clients, and request free estimates from multiple contractors to find the perfect partner for your project.