How to Find a Good General Contractor
General contractors manage a building project, from hiring and training subcontractors to applying for permits and working with the local building inspectors. They also make sure the project is completed on time and to code.
General contractor work can include new construction projects, renovations and interior refits for commercial occupants. They can also work on energy-efficient, green or passive solar structures.
GCs often start out as carpenters but decide to run their own company, where they assume overall management responsibilities for a given project. Often, they have business training and a degree in construction management or civil engineering.
As a general contractor, you need to ensure that your company is licensed in the state where you operate and that all of your employees are adequately covered with workers’ compensation insurance and liability coverage. Having all of this in place will give you peace of mind and protect your company from lawsuits.
The best way to find a reputable general contractor is to ask for references from previous clients. They will be able to tell you whether the contractor was reliable and provided good work for them. They may even be able to provide photos of previous projects.
You can also check their website to see if they have any customer reviews and videos of past work. These can be helpful in determining whether you want to hire them or not.
In addition to getting a good price, you need to make sure that the contractor you choose is capable of delivering a quality product. A good general contractor will be able to communicate clearly with you and will be able to explain the construction process so that you understand what to expect.
To get the best pricing, you should consider working with a general contractor who has a good track record and is willing to negotiate for your best deal. They will be able to help you get the most out of your budget and will be able to deliver a high-quality product that will last for years to come.
You can also find a general contractor by searching for them online or through a referral from friends and family. You can also contact the general contractor to find out more about their qualifications and experience.
Besides being licensed, a good general contractor will be able to show you proof of insurance. They should have at least $2,000,000 of aggregate coverage to cover property and bodily injury.
They should also be able to demonstrate that they have adequate coverage for their employees and equipment, as well. Having all of this in place will make it easier to manage your project and avoid costly lapses in coverage that could end up costing you money down the line.
General contractors should have a safety program in place that is practiced and updated on a regular basis. This is important for avoiding hefty fines that can be imposed by the government for unsafe construction.