General Tips

• Get at least 3 estimates for the same job

• Check Licensing and Insurance

• Read the Contract Before You Sign It

• Know Your Subcontractors

• Plan out as far in advance as you can

• Require written contracts before you start anything

  • Work expected

  • Material costs, who pays?

  • Payment schedule

  • Project deadline

A Good General Contractor

There are a lot of factors that are hard to anticipate, no matter how long you’ve been in the game. However, a good general contractor takes responsibility of both the process, and the end result of the project.

Failure of the general contractor means failure of the project. A good GC knows the subcontractors that he employs and understands that he is liable for their end result.

A general contractor will let you know when to bring in someone more specialized to do a better / affordable job.

A good GC knows what materials are needed.

“What materials will be needed? How much are said materials?”

A good GC does not substitute quality for sub-par materials to earn an extra buck.

Despite being a good GC, realize that:

Some things are squarely within his control, and some are not.

You can’t anticipate what is hidden & behind drywall. Realize that unforeseen things will need to be addressed and dealt with.