An Information and Instructional Guide
Chapter 6 – Hiring a General Contractor
If you have decided to hire a General Contractor you need to make sure you hire the right one. He should have the knowledge, skills, experience, equipment, resources and contacts to complete the project in a timely manner. Start by asking your own family, friends and coworkers whom they may know or have used in the past. Call your local Home Builders Association for references.
It is recommended to select at least General Contractors and ask them for bids.
- Fixed Price Quotes include all materials, labor, equipment, overhead and profit.
- Cost Plus Quotes require that the contractor be paid the actual costs of materials, labor and equipment, and a percentage of overhead and profit
Have a list of questions ready. They should include, but not be limited to questions such as:
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they licensed?
- Have they previously completed this same type of construction work in the area?
- Do they have their own crew?
- How will they handle debris removal and clean up?
- Do they offer a warranty and what does it cover?
- Do they have Workman’s Compensation and Liability Insurance
- Who are their main suppliers?
- Do they have their own credit lines established
- Which subcontractors do they use (can you check them out)
Ask the Contractor for references. They should not be hesitant to provide them and you should not be hesitant to actually call them. Ask the References these types of questions:
- What type of work they did for them?
- Was the work started and finished on time?
- Were they satisfied with the work completed?
- Was the quoted price the same as the final bill?
- Did they return calls promptly and come back to fix any problems?
- Did they keep a clean and organized worksite?
- Would they rehire them?
Obtain a written Contract. It will help clarify expectations and prevent any misunderstandings. It should include, but not be limited to:
- The name, address and phone numbers of all parties involved.
- Any license and registration numbers
- Copies of the Plans & detailed Specs
- The total project cost
- A construction timeline
- A draw/payment schedule
- A warranty
- Signatures of all parties
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