Top Things to Consider When Hiring a General Contractor
Hiring a General Contractor
- Licensing & Insurance
- Confirm they’re licensed in your state or locality
- Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Check with your local licensing board or consumer protection agency
- Experience with Your Type of Project
- Have they completed similar renovations before?
- Can they explain common challenges and how they’ve solved them?
- Ask for a portfolio or photos of past work
- Reputation & References
- Read reviews on Google, Yelp, or BBB
- Ask for references—especially from clients with similar projects
- Visit a current job site to observe cleanliness and professionalism
- Detailed Bids & Contracts
- Get itemized estimates: labor, materials, profit margins
- Avoid vague or unusually low bids—they may signal corner-cutting
- Ensure the contract includes scope, timeline, payment schedule, and change order process
- Communication Style
- Do they respond promptly and clearly?
- Are they open to questions and feedback?
- Set expectations for weekly updates or milestone check-ins
- Payment Schedule
- Typical structure: 10% at signing, 3 payments of 25%, 15% at completion
- Never pay large sums upfront
- Avoid cash payments—use check, card, or escrow
- Subcontractor Oversight
- Are subs licensed, insured, and vetted?
- How long have they worked with their subcontractors?
- Who manages the job site daily?
- Clean-Up & Safety Protocols
- Ask about daily clean-up routines
- Confirm safety standards and job site organization
- Especially important if you’ll be living in the home during renovation
- Permits & Compliance
- Will they handle permits and inspections?
- Are they familiar with local building codes?
- Do they include permit fees in the bid?
- Warranty & Follow-Up
- What warranty do they offer on workmanship?
- How do they handle post-project issues or repairs?
- Is there a written policy for dispute resolution?