Using a General Contractor for Home Improvement Projects

Homeowners ready to tackle a big remodeling project need to decide whether they have the skills, tools and time to do the work themselves. If they do not, then hiring a qualified general contractor is the best choice. A home improvement gone wrong can cost serious money or leave property owners with unfinished work or incompetent construction.

General contractors look at the big picture and they work with homeowners throughout the entire project. They may hire and supervise subcontractors for specialty trades during the construction process. One of the best things about working with a general contractor is the knowledge that they have relationships with the best subcontractors and trades in the business.

To find the best general contractor, check with others who have had similar home improvement work done. Check out the contractors’ reputations online with the Better Business Bureau and other rating sites. Get detailed written estimates from at least three contractors. Remember that the lowest bid may not be the best bid. Ask the contractor why their bid was lower than the competitors.

A general contractor should have a thorough knowledge of the construction and remodeling industry standards and they should have good project management skills. They need to be licensed and insured, and they should carry worker’s compensation insurance. A homeowner acting as their own general contractor takes on all liability for property damage and injury that may occur during their project.

Part of a general contractor’s responsibilities includes overseeing the work of subcontractors. The general contractor must ensure that any errors during construction are fixed with no additional cost to the project. They must know the appropriate building codes, materials, methods and safety guidelines. Good contractors will keep everything on schedule and that the workers are busy throughout the process. General contractors will obtain any necessary permits before starting a job and they will arrange for necessary inspections and approvals from the code regulators.

Homeowners should include payment arrangements in their contract with the general contracting company. The contractor should be willing to accept a reasonable but small down payment, with incremental payments for completion of specified milestones throughout the building process.

Homeowners should not make the final payment or sign any completion paperwork until they are completely satisfied with the results. Often, the general contractor and the homeowner will have a completion check list including the standards for completion. Get proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid by the general contractor and get a lien release or lien waiver from each before releasing the final payment. The general contractor should provide written warranties for their work and materials in the project.

Ultimately it is the homeowner’s decision whether to use a general contractor. One final thing to consider is how much worry and stress a contractor can take away from the homeowner during the construction or remodeling process. A general contractor might make it easier for the owners to relax and enjoy the results.