We have asked Mike from Deep South Construction from Bonaire Georgia to answer the best ways to hire a good contractor, with over 26 years of experience.
1. Verify Credentials and Insurance
Never take a contractor’s word for it. Ensure they are legally cleared to work on your specific project type.
Workers’ Comp: This is non-negotiable. Without it, you could be liable for injuries that occur on your job site.
Licensing: Confirm they hold a current state license for residential or commercial contracting.
General Liability: This protects your property from damage caused by the contractor.
2. Evaluate Specialized Experience
A general contractor who specializes in kitchen remodels may not be the right fit for a ground-up modern farmhouse or a multi-unit development.
Technical Knowledge: If your project involves specific site requirements—like a crawlspace foundation or complex grading—ask how they have handled those challenges in the past.
Portfolio Match: Look for projects similar in scale and architectural style to your own.
3. Check References and Reputation
A good GC should have a trail of satisfied clients and reliable subcontractors.
Subcontractor Health: A contractor is only as good as their crew. Ask how long they’ve worked with their primary electricians and plumbers; long-term relationships usually mean reliable work.
Recent Projects: Ask for three references from the last 12 months. Ask the owners if the project stayed on budget and how the GC handled “surprises.”
What to look for when hiring a GC?
4. The Bidding Process
Avoid the “race to the bottom.” The lowest bid is often the most expensive one in the long run due to change orders or poor material quality.
The 10-20% Rule: Most reputable GCs charge a percentage of the total project cost (usually 10% to 20%) as their fee.
Detailed Line Items: Ensure bids are “apples-to-apples.” A good bid breaks down costs for materials, labor, permits, and the contractor’s fee.
5. Communication and Management Style
You will be in constant contact with this person for months. Their professional “bedside manner” matters.
Financial Transparency: For larger projects, ensure they are comfortable providing lien waivers. This proves they have paid their subcontractors and suppliers, protecting you from legal claims.
Reporting: Ask how they provide updates. Do they use project management software, weekly emails, or phone calls?
Need a General Contractor?
Check out Deep South Construction
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