7 Tips On How To Choose The Right General Contractor For Your Project

When you are putting your home into someone else’s hands, the pressure of who you are going to trust can be nerve wracking. After all, hiring the wrong contractor for your project can end in wasted time and money. Save yourself the hassle and make sure you hire the right person for the job the first time.

Builder Boy is a licensed general contractor and full-service home remodeling company where our customer’s satisfaction is our #1 priority. We are beyond confident in our work and provide our customers with everything they need to ensure that their projects are in the right hands. We highly advise that you hire a contractor for your home remodel project that will do the same. 

In this article, we give you 7 tips on how to choose the right general contractor for your project.

Right General Contractor

What Should You Look For When Choosing A General Contractor?

  1. General Contractor’s License
  2. Insurance
  3. Offers A Written Estimate And Contract
  4. Qualified Experience For Your Home Improvement Project
  5. A Referral From a Friend or Family Member
  6. References
  7. Project Timeline

1. Choose A Contractor That Is Licensed

Hiring a licensed contractor ensures you are hiring someone with the knowledge and training requirements set by the local and state government. This gives greater peace of mind that your home will pass safety examinations. This becomes especially important when you sell your home. Work that is not permitted or done in an unsatisfactory way will delay the sale of the home.

2. Make Sure The Contractor Is Insured

You are looking for a contractor that has two types of insurance: general liability and worker’s compensation. Ask to see proof of insurance. 

Having a contractor that is insured is for their protection and yours as well. General liability insurance covers property damage. Worker’s compensation covers a worker’s injury if it occurred on your property. It prevents you from being held liable. Along with insurance, you want to make sure the contractor is bonded. A bond will protect you and ensure that the work is completed and done in a satisfactory manner.

3. Have Everything Put In Writing

To prevent any misunderstandings, make sure you are given a detailed comprehensive estimate of the job in writing. If the contractor won’t put everything in writing, consider getting a second opinion from a different contractor.

4. Pick A Professional With Experience Specific To Your Project

Each type of job requires a specific set of skills, tools, and expertise. When choosing a contractor, make sure they are experienced in whatever type of job you are hiring them to do. Look up photos of their previous projects to make sure you like the work that they do.

5. Ask For Referrals From Friends And Family

Word of mouth is often the best way to find out who does quality work. If you have friends or family that have had work done on their home, ask for the name of who they used. It’s extra beneficial if you’re able to see the work in person to see the contractor’s workmanship.

6. Ask The Contractor For References

Reading online testimonials from past clients on a company’s Yelp page is helpful when choosing a contractor. These types of review sites also often have photos of past projects. 

The contractor should also have their own references and photos of previous work for you to evaluate.

7. Have A Clear Project Timeline

When interviewing a contractor, ask about the length of time it will take to complete the project to make sure both your expectations are aligned right from the start. Also ask about what happens if the work goes over the projected time.

Getting Started On Your Project

When you hire any professional, you want to be sure they are knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified. Use our tips along with your own instinct when choosing a contractor. Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes and opinions to fully explore your choices. 

Builder Boy goes above and beyond to make sure your project goes smoothly, is done in a timely manner, and exceeds your expectations. Take the first step to starting your project by requesting a free estimate today.