Tackling a home renovation is no small undertaking. Generally, large projects like adding an addition or moving walls will require a general contractor (GC) to oversee the work of other contractors and tradespeople.
Choosing the right contractor can make or break your project’s success. To ensure you hire the best, get quotes from several different contractors.
Experience
A general contractor should have extensive experience in the industry. They need broad and specific construction knowledge to manage complex projects and estimate accurate time. In addition, they need to be familiar with your area’s local building code and other regulations.
The best excavator Boston MA can offer various services and have the skills to complete a wide range of renovation projects. They should be able to provide examples of past work and describe their methods in detail.
Ask potential contractors for a bid and compare them carefully. Estimates can vary dramatically depending on building materials, labor rates, etc. Be wary of a contractor who gives you an unusually low or high estimate. Ask why this is, and get all changes and revisions in writing. This will ensure that all parties know what is to be performed.
License
A general contractor must be licensed to operate in most states. The licensing process usually requires minimum experience, passing an exam, and submitting business and insurance documents. Some cities may also have additional requirements, such as a background check for contractors working.
When choosing a general contractor, you should ask friends and family for recommendations. However, getting bids from reputable contractors to compare prices and services is essential. Be wary of any quotes that seem suspiciously low, as these are often indicative of scams or poor-quality work.
Many home renovations take longer than expected and cost more than planned, so you should choose a general contractor with a sizeable reserve fund for unexpected expenses. A seasoned general contractor can help you stay on budget and complete your project promptly while adhering to all building codes. They also know how to handle any disputes during your renovation.
Insurance
A general contractor should be able to provide proof of liability insurance. Typically a building department or project owner will only allow you to open permits with this coverage, and it is a wise investment for everyone involved in the construction process.
If a general contractor claims to have this coverage, you should request proof of it and verify the type and amounts of the policies. You can also check for non-admitted markets which offer more robust procedures for high-risk professions.
If you are looking for a general contractor, They recommend matching you with trusted contractors and receiving competitive bids. Choosing the cheapest contractor can be tempting, but remember you get what you pay for! More affordable general contractor insurance policies often have exclusions that can be catastrophic to a company in a high-risk industry. For example, an approach that excludes action over or scaffold law can devastate any general contractor.
References
Once you’ve narrowed your selection to a few contractors, it is critical to check their references. Talking to homeowners who have worked with each pro is the best way to see if they’ll be a good fit for your project.
Ask for a list of references from projects similar in size and complexity to yours, and then call them. Listen carefully and ask many questions that will give you a good sense of whether the contractor was professional, on time, and within budget.
Avoid any contractors who don’t provide a list of references. It is a red flag that they may have trouble meeting deadlines and keeping their client promises. It also means that their previous customers were not happy with their work and didn’t recommend them to anyone else.
