Steps to Finding a Good General Contractor

There are a number of important issues to consider when looking for a general contractor. You obviously want to find a contractor that is best suited for the job, and you also want to get a good price for quality work. Unfortunately, there are numerous challenges in finding the right contractor at the right price. In most cases, you'll end up with a general contractor charging you an arm and a leg for quality work, or a less-than-capable contractor giving you a cheap rate. That being said, there is a middle ground between these two extremes, and it is entirely possible to find a reputable contractor who will do a satisfactory job for you at a price you can afford.

Here are some important steps to finding a good general construction contractor:

Make a short list of potential general contractors to consider

Finding a good contractor is pretty much the same as finding any other type of qualified personnel. A good way to start is to ask people you know for recommendations. If a certain general contractor has done a good job for someone you know, your friend will probably be happy to tell you about it. You can also check with your city's building supply stores or check online service listings that have a reputation for stringent criteria. It would probably be best to avoid the phone book listings as there will be no way to verify the credentials of the contractors you will come across on these listings.

Examine the qualifications of each contractor

After you've made a list of worthy construction contractors, it's time to take a closer look at each candidate's qualifications. At a minimum, you'll want to make sure that each person you consider has a general contractor's license and enough insurance coverage for workers' compensation, property damage, and personal liability. You can then meet with each contractor that meets your criteria and find out if they can meet the job and schedule requirements. Now would also be a good time to ask each contractor for references from satisfied clients they have worked for in the past.

Here's a little tip regarding checking prospective contractor references: Always ask to see the work your prospective contractor has done for previous clients. It is not enough to simply speak to the previous client on the phone, as there will be no way to verify if the contractor you are considering has actually done any work for her. By visiting the client's home, you will be able to inspect the contractor's work first-hand and verify that your potential contractor did a good job. Don't be too shy to ask to see your home, either. Most people who have successfully worked in their homes will be happy to show them off.

Request a quote from each contractor

After checking the qualifications of each contractor, you should be able to narrow down your list even further. Your next step would be to request a quote from each of these potential candidates. While getting a good price is a major concern, you don't necessarily want to hire the contractor who offers the lowest bid. Many new General Contractor companies will often offer their potential clients an offer well below the normal market rate as a means of getting in the door, so to speak. While it is true that everyone has to start from somewhere, and this also applies to commercial general contractors, it would probably not be a good idea to hire an inexperienced contractor for a major construction project. Let other people with money to spare be the guinea pigs for inexperienced contractors! Many contractors with a less than stellar track record in the business will also offer you a lower-than-normal offer to enhance your reputation in the industry.