General Contractor Checklist & Tips

The Importance of Hiring a General Contractor

A general contractor supports a construction project by coordinating the work so tasks are completed on time and within budget. From supervising laborers to sourcing materials, their role is pivotal. A project’s success heavily relies on their expertise and ability to manage various elements.

General contractor s oversee the day-to-day operations on a construction site, whether it’s for a new office building or a healthcare facility. Their duties include:

Coordinating with architects and homeowners to understand the desired floor plans and personal touches
Obtaining necessary permits and ensuring all work complies with local regulations
Managing the budget, including labor costs and material estimates
Handling scheduling conflicts and making adjustments as needed
Making sure safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents

This range of responsibilities makes it clear why choosing a qualified general contractor is critical for the success of your project.

What to Include in Your General Contractor Checklist

Hiring a general contractor is a crucial decision for any business owner. Here are some essential elements to include in a general contractor checklist:

Secure a Minimum of Three Bids

Securing at least three bids from different general contractor s is a prudent move. This gives you a sense of the market rate and offers insight into various approaches to your project. Each contractor will have a unique take on the construction process, material estimates, and timeframes.

While evaluating bids, pay attention to the details. An exceptionally low bid might mean cutting corners or misunderstanding the project scope. Balance cost with the quality of work and project understanding.

Comparing bids helps you shortlist contractors who are within your budget while still maintaining the standard of work you expect. This step is crucial in starting your project on the right note.

Make Sure the Contractor Is Local

Hiring a local general contractor comes with significant advantages. They’re familiar with the area’s building codes and regulations and have relationships with local subcontractors and suppliers. This familiarity can streamline the permitting process and even reduce costs.

Make sure your contractor has the necessary permits to undertake your specific project. Lack of proper permits can lead to work stoppages and legal issues, affecting the timeline and budget.

Local contractors also understand the nuances of working in your community, such as weather conditions and common construction challenges. This local expertise is invaluable for the smooth execution of your project.

Check Licenses, Certifications, Insurance, and Credentials

Validating the credentials of your general contractor is fundamental, especially during times like hurricane season. Licenses and certifications show that they meet industry and government standards. Insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during construction.

Ask for copies of these documents and verify their authenticity with local authorities. This can save you from engaging with fraudulent individuals or companies that may leave you with an incomplete or substandard construction job.

A reputable building company should have no issue providing this information and may even offer it upfront. This transparency is a good indicator of professionalism and reliability.

See Experience & Previously Completed Projects

Experience matters in building construction. A general contractor with a comprehensive portfolio gives you insight into their capability and quality of work. Reviewing past projects helps assess their experience with projects similar to yours.

Inspecting previously completed projects through photos or in-person visits if possible allows you to evaluate their craftsmanship and attention to detail. This step is key in making sure they can bring your vision to life.

Evaluate References & Reviews From Past Customers

Finally, take the time to check references and review feedback from past customers. This firsthand account of working with the contractor provides invaluable insights into their work ethic, communication style, and reliability. Look for patterns in the feedback. Consistently positive reviews indicate a track record of satisfaction, while repeated complaints in specific areas like delays or quality of work can be red flags.

Engaging with references directly can also reveal details you might not find in written reviews, providing a fuller picture of what to expect when working with the general contractor.

Want to narrow down your search for a qualified professional? Choose the right commercial contractor for your next construction projectby exploring our blog.

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Red Flags to Be Aware of When Hiring a General Contractor

Creating a general contractor checklist can narrow your search for the right construction professional. However, there are some additional factors you should consider and avoid to ensure your project is successful.

Poor Communication & Lack of Professionalism

When you’re in the market for a general contractor, good communication is key. A contractor who doesn’t respond to your calls or emails in a timely manner is likely to carry that lack of communication into the project. This leads to misunderstandings, project delays, and dissatisfaction.

Additionally, professionalism in every interaction is essential. If a contractor is disorganized, shows up late to meetings, or fails to provide a clear contract, these are all red flags. The construction process is complex, and you need a contractor who demonstrates reliability and attention to detail from the start.

Extremely Low Estimates or Requesting Full Payment Upfront

While everyone loves a good deal, extremely low estimates from a potential contractor indicate hidden costs or subpar work. An accurate estimate should include material costs, labor, and leeway for unforeseen issues like water damage or changes in floor plans. Beware of contractors who provide a lowball figure without a detailed breakdown.

It’s also a major red flag if a contractor requests full payment upfront. A structured payment plan tied to completed stages of work protects both you and the contractor. It ensures accountability and a commitment to completing the project to your satisfaction.

Limited or No Online Presence

In today’s digital world, most reputable general contractors have an online presence. This includes a website, social media profiles, and listings on industry-specific platforms. A limited or non-existent online presence can be a warning sign. It might mean the contractor lacks experience or has a history of negative reviews they’re trying to hide.

Before making a decision, try to find examples of their work, reviews from past customers, and any professional affiliations, all of which can provide insights into their reliability and quality of work.

Hire a Contractor You Can Trust—Hire iB Construction

At iB Construction, we deliver a seamless construction experience that exceeds your expectations. We complete your project on time, within budget, and with uncompromising quality. Through our dedication to professionalism, communication, and craftsmanship, we check every box on your contractor checklist.

Trust iB Construction to bring your vision to life with precision and excellence. Contact us today to get started.