5 Steps to Help You Hire the Right Contractor
Don't take chances on this all-important team member. Find the best general contractor for your remodel or new build by heeding this advice
Dylan Chappell
24 August 2013
Houzz Contributor and California Architect, Dylan Chappell is known for his sustainable and green approach to projects. Dylan is a South Coast native and serves on the Architectural Review Board for the County of Santa Barbara. (http://dylanchappell.com/)
Houzz Contributor and California Architect, Dylan Chappell is known for his sustainable... More
Building your dream home is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do, but all that excitement comes with a lot of responsibility. Hiring the best general contractor for you and your project is an extremely important decision. That choice will determine the quality of craftsmanship and will minimize emotional stress and unexpected costs. Bringing in the right contractor early in the design process is one of the most important ingredients in staying on budget and on schedule during construction.
Here are five simple steps to help you hire the right contractor for your project.
Here are five simple steps to help you hire the right contractor for your project.
1. Get referrals. Talk with people you know and trust. Your architect is an obvious source, but talk with family, friends, neighbors, lawyers, real estate agents and others who have built projects similar to yours.
Browse professional listings to find general contractors in your area. Check out their reviews and browse photos in their portfolios to see how their work lines up with the scope of your project. You can even message them to get a conversation going.
Are there recently completed or under-construction projects in your area? Ask the owners about their contractor and the working relationship they have with him or her.
2. Verify licenses. Make sure your contractor candidates are licensed and in good standing with your state license board. Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license, picture I.D. and certificate of insurance.
Proper licensing demonstrates a company’s best practices management, but hiring a licensed contractor will also protect you. For example, worker's compensation insurance is a contractor’s responsibility, not a property owner’s, but that's not the case if a contractor is not licensed or does not carry proper insurance.
In California anyone who contracts to perform work on a project valued at $500 or more, including labor and materials, must hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board. Check out the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies to find information about contractors' licenses in your state.
Browse professional listings to find general contractors in your area. Check out their reviews and browse photos in their portfolios to see how their work lines up with the scope of your project. You can even message them to get a conversation going.
Are there recently completed or under-construction projects in your area? Ask the owners about their contractor and the working relationship they have with him or her.
2. Verify licenses. Make sure your contractor candidates are licensed and in good standing with your state license board. Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license, picture I.D. and certificate of insurance.
Proper licensing demonstrates a company’s best practices management, but hiring a licensed contractor will also protect you. For example, worker's compensation insurance is a contractor’s responsibility, not a property owner’s, but that's not the case if a contractor is not licensed or does not carry proper insurance.
In California anyone who contracts to perform work on a project valued at $500 or more, including labor and materials, must hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board. Check out the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies to find information about contractors' licenses in your state.
3. View recent work. After looking at a contractor's portfolio, request to visit a few projects similar in size and style to yours. Try to check out one that was recently completed, one that's under construction and one completed five to 10 years ago. Ask yourself:
- Does the work carry a warranty, and are problems corrected?
- How does the construction site look?
- Did the older finished project stand the test of time?
- Was it a pleasant working relationship?
- Did they and the contractor communicate well?
- Was the contractor fair and honest?
- Was the project completed on schedule and within budget?
- Were there extra costs or surprises?
- How were problems handled?
- How was the quality of craftsmanship and follow-up?
5. Understand the contract. Decide on the contractor you wish to hire and while your plans are in the permit-review process, discuss the different kinds of contracts available and ask for one to review.
Tell us: What are your tips for hiring a contractor or your experiences with one — good or bad?
More:
How to Contact a Pro on Houzz and Get Your Project Going
What to Look for in a Contractor's Contract
More guides to working with home pros
Find a contractor near you
- Ask for updates to the construction bid if plans change for any reason.
- Do not sign the contract until your permits have been approved and all costs have been finalized.
- Be aware that there are always unknowns in the construction process that create change orders and additional costs. This is normal. Expect it. Allow 5 to 8 percent of your total budget for these extras. With good planning, design and management, they can be minimized.
Tell us: What are your tips for hiring a contractor or your experiences with one — good or bad?
More:
How to Contact a Pro on Houzz and Get Your Project Going
What to Look for in a Contractor's Contract
More guides to working with home pros
Find a contractor near you
Related Stories
Renovating Advice
How Do I Find, Assess & Hire the Right People for My Renovation?
Do you need a kitchen designer or a joiner? An architect or an interior designer? Find out with our essential reno guide
Full Story
Renovation Guides
What Key Measurements & Room Dimensions Should I Know for a Reno?
Read practical information about key room measurements and minimum clearances for fittings and fixtures in every room
Full Story
Kitchens
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Most Popular
12 Decorating Tips to Make Any Bedroom Look Better
By Anne Ellard
Want to know how to make your bedroom look better? Here are 12 great tricks
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Reasons Your Bathroom Smells Funky (and How to Fix the Problem)
A plumber reveals five reasons your bathroom might smell like sewage or emanate a musty odour
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Most Popular
The Full Picture: How High Should Your TV Be?
By Matt Clawson
We look at an important question to consider when locating your television: how high should you set it?
Full Story
Bathrooms
All the Dimensions You Need to Know for Your Bathroom Makeover
Fit everything comfortably in a small or medium-size bathroom by knowing standard dimensions for fixtures and clearances
Full Story
SO helpful! Comprehensive and specific, with many factors I hadn't considered. Author and commenters: thank you!
Pretty good info with exception of making sure contractor provides a warranty on work. If you except the contractors warranty you are waiving your rights to state warranties provided under your specific jurisdiction. Have a lawyer look at both warranties to decide which protects you best!
https://www.houzz.com/pro/americanhomeimprovement-inc/american-home-improvement-inc