Hiring a general construction company near me can be tricky. With so many contractors to choose from, it can take hours of research to find the best one for you.
That’s why we have created a guide on finding the best general contractors in your area. We’ll walk you through what questions to ask them and how much money should go into their pockets!
What is a general contractor?
A general contractor is a professional who holds a wide range of experience in various construction projects. They do everything for you. General contractors take the reins from laying cement to installing electrical wiring or plumbing fixtures.
Generally, general contractors are hired to take care of all aspects of a construction site. They can be relied on for help with any construction project, no matter the size or complexity.
This includes ordering materials and subcontracting tradespeople to get the job done. Many general contractors also offer design services for construction projects, which can help you save money by including them in the early stages of your project.
Why should I hire general contractors near me?
There are many reasons to hire a general contractor, but one of the main ones is that they take care of absolutely everything. This includes:
- managing your project site
- ordering materials
- subcontracting tradespeople and new crew(e.g., plumbers, electricians, exterior contractors)
- hiring equipment
- pulling permits
- managing the flow of workers
In addition, hiring a general contractor can help you save money by allowing them to provide design services as part of your contract. This reduces project costs because they have more experience with construction projects than most people who are not professionals in this field.
Whether you’re trying to build a new kitchen or set up a basement, a general contractor will give you peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, you know who to call. After all, It is essential to have one person that you can rely on for help.
What projects need the help of general contractors?
General contractors oversee the progress of large construction projects. Projects. This includes commercial buildings, industrial complexes, and residential homes. They’ll help a ton in works that include:
- electrical work
- roofing and siding
- windows installation
- bathroom remodel
- kitchen remodel
- floor renovation
- interior design
- plumbing
For large projects, it can be time-consuming to find a general contractor who has the skills to take care of all aspects of a project, including design services. This makes hiring a general contractor a viable option for many people who don’t know where to start a new construction project.
How much does a general construction company cost?
General contractors, as a rule, charge a fee for their services. As a general guideline, you should expect to pay a professional contractor between $300 and $500 per day.
In addition to the base rate, contractors will often charge extra fees for certain services or materials not included in the original contract. These can include:
- Survey charges – around $350-$1100 depending on how complicated the job is
- Materials – who knows? Ask them what it takes to construct your house before hiring them!
- Transportation charges – around $35-$50 per mile for a truck to drive around town picking up materials
- Cleaning supplies – anything from light trash bags, brooms, and dustpans to heavy-duty industrial cleaners can cost upwards of $15 per box.
- Inspection costs – extra fees for any inspections required by local municipalities as part of your project. Make sure you ask about these ahead of time to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
How do I find good general contractors near me?
Finding the best contractors isn’t as easy as it sounds. You’ll need to be very thorough with your search as you’re essentially entrusting your home improvement to these professionals. Here are some tips to help you find ones that you can trust.
- Browse online listings and reviews
Local directories and business listings are a great starting point for finding local general contractors. Check online to see if your potential contractor has any positive reviews from past clients. If they do, pay close attention to these testimonials to understand what kinds of projects this company specializes in and how well they communicate with their customers.
Check company reviews
Before you choose a contractor, you’ll want to check their online reviews. Check out the ratings of the contractors on your shortlist. See what kind of feedback they’re getting.
You might also consider talking to past customers. It would help if you asked them how satisfied they were with their general contractor’s work results.
The best contractors will have lots of photos and videos posted on their website, as well as positive reviews for previous projects. When reading through general contractor reviews, look for the following things:
- Do they provide pictures of work completed?
- What are other customers saying about the professionalism, reliability, and quality of the company’s position?
- What are other customers saying about how quickly this contractor was able to get started on their project?
- How professional does this contractor seem based on the website and materials they provide?
Get a referral
A great way to find a good general contractor is by asking for a referral from a trusted source.
If you have a friend or colleague who’s been through the process of hiring a general contractor, ask to hear about their experience. Remember that even if you don’t know any contractors yourself, friends and family may be able to suggest someone they’ve worked with in the past.
Asking for a referral will put your mind at ease because you’ll be able to rely on someone else’s opinion instead of going into the project blindly. This also ensures that your new contractor has been vetted by someone you trust.
Look for references
It’s also a good idea to check local regulatory bodies, such as town halls or the Better Business Bureau, and ask if any complaints have been filed against the general contractor you’re considering hiring. This is important for larger projects like new home renovations.
Make sure that your potential contractors are licensed with their state or local municipality. A general contractor must be authorized to work within their area of expertise
Just ask locals around
If you are still unsure about hiring the right professional, ask family or friends who live in town. Just make sure you do your due diligence and check out each potential candidate before making a final decision.
Bringing someone on board for a project can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you find the right general contractor. By asking friends and family for recommendations or getting in touch with local regulatory bodies, you’ll go a long way towards finding an experienced professional whose work meets your needs.
What are the qualities of good general contractors near me?
Contractors can be a tricky bunch to figure out. With so many contractors in the area, how do you know who to contact? Look for those who possess these qualities.
Offers guaranty for their work
The contractor is expected to put together a clear, detailed project plan, including the scope of work, timeline, and costs. Be wary of contractors who say they’ll complete your project without details or refuse to give you an estimate beforehand.
Open to negotiations with their service
They should also be willing to work with you to customize your job according to your needs and schedule. Some contractors might pressure you into using their services no matter what you want, even if it doesn’t meet your requirements or budget constraints. It would help if you didn’t have to pay any fee for this service.
Some contractors might only offer limited types of guarantees for their work. For example, some will only provide a one-year warranty on structural repairs made during the project, while others might offer a lifetime warranty on all their work.
Insured and bonded
Be sure that your contractor has insurance and will post their bond. You do not want to be held liable if the general contractor you hire gets into an accident at your property.
Make sure that your potential contractors are licensed with their state or local municipality. A general contractor must be authorized to work within their area of expertise.
What should I ask a general residential contractor?
There are several ways you can make sure your project will be handled by the best possible professional. When interviewing potential contractors, there are specific questions that will help ensure they’re the best fit for your particular project:
- How long has this company been doing business?
- What experience does this general contractor have with my type of project?
- How will they manage the flow of labour on-site and subcontractors I hire for specific jobs?
- Do you offer design services as part of your package, or are there additional fees for this service?
- Can I see a list of their past projects and reviews from other customers?
Asking these questions will help you understand how much experience this general contractor has with your particular type of project. If it’s a large-scale construction project like building an addition to your house, you especially don’t want to miss out on a single thread of detail.
Remember: be upfront with your questions. The “right” contractor will have no problem being 100% transparent with you.
Know their insurance policies
Ensure the contractor has the appropriate insurance, including general liability and worker’s compensation coverage, if someone is hurt on the job site. If they don’t have these types of insurance (and there are penalties for not doing so), then consider hiring them at your own risk!
It would help if you also asked about their insurance policies and what steps they take to ensure job site safety. General contractors can also be bonded, a type of insurance that guarantees to protect you from any losses or damages if the contractor fails to fulfill their contractual obligations.
Ask for their license.
Always ask the contractor for their license when you’re in the interview process. This is necessary to ensure that they are allowed to work in your area of expertise.
General contractors are not necessarily licensed professionals. You should research their qualifications, experience, and references before hiring them to help with your project.
Insist on a contract
It’s also customary for all parties involved to have a contract in place before beginning any work. Make sure that the agreement includes details about the project, the timeline, and the fees. A good rule of thumb is that if you are unsatisfied with any part of the contract, don’t sign it!
Request for referrals and examples of past work
A qualified general contractor will have no issues providing references for past projects they have completed. They should also be able to provide you with third-party testimonials or reviews of their work.
A contractor who provides lots of references from previous customers is a good sign they’re the right one to hire. It’s also helpful to find photos or videos of what this company has done in the past so that you know what kind of work they’re capable of completing.
Get a written estimate.
When interviewing potential contractors, it’s essential to ask them for a written estimate before agreeing to work with them. This document will outline the cost of the project and what is included in that price point. You’ll also see the timeline and any other details you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
Even if you’re getting a few quotes, make sure they can send you a free estimate for your consideration: the more information upfront, the better.
General tips before hiring a residential contractor
Before getting someone to remodel or renovate your home, you must assess yourself and the goals. You don’t necessarily need to have a complete outline of your housing project. A solid vision goes a long way.
Be specific about your needs.
Think about precisely what you want to be done. Your contractor may have a range of skills and experience that can help you meet your goals. For example, some construction companies specialize in residential remodelling while others are better equipped for commercial construction jobs.
Be specific about your needs. Make sure you are clear about the result, especially if an estimate is needed for price quote purposes. If possible, provide a blueprint or drawing of what you want to be done, so there’s no misunderstanding between you and the contractor.
Consider factors that could affect pricing.
Location is one factor that can affect pricing. If you are building in more popular cities, expect the rates to go up. Additionally, the company may charge more for bigger jobs.
Different construction materials will also affect the price depending on how much work needs to be done. For example, a subcontractor might need to refinish hardwood floors while another might only need to patch drywall.
Consider whether or not to hire an architect.
Architects and engineers work on a wide range of projects and disciplines, so the question is: where do you need the help? If your project requires interaction with local authorities, then it’s likely that an architect is necessary.
If your project needs to be built from a conceptual point, an engineer may be a better fit for this role. Consider what you want from your project before deciding on who to hire.
In most cases, architects are responsible for the aesthetics of a structure and designing what it will look like inside and out. They also handle environmental issues such as zoning restrictions. Engineers focus more on the technical aspects of a project with design calculations and construction feasibility studies.
Get multiple bids from different contractors.
One way to find the best general contractor is to get multiple bids from different contractors. It’s always a good idea to price shop because not all costs are the same.
All of the contractors that you’re getting bids from should be reputable businesses. Keep your options varied, but remember — a low bid does not always mean the best deal!
Final Thoughts: General Construction Company Near Me
Hiring a general contractor can be a daunting process. With these tips on what to look for in the general construction company near me, you should have no problem finding one that will work hard and deliver quality results.
Elysian Construction has all of the qualities you are looking for in a contractor, and they can answer any questions that you have. Check out the About Elysian Construction page to discover how our contractors can help build or model your home!
We hope this article has helped you find your next construction company. If you want more information on finding the right contractors, please visit our BLOG.