The many components to conducting a construction or home remodeling project can feel overwhelming at first glance, and hiring a residential general contractor can be a huge help in sorting and prioritizing all the elements of a project. The process of hiring a general contractor, however, can also feel like a challenging task. You want someone who is skilled, reliable, and experienced – but how do you go about finding a contractor with those characteristics? A good start is to determine the qualities that are important to you in the contractor you will work with on your project and then to look to your network for recommendations. You likely have friends, coworkers, or neighbors who have recently completed a home remodel and know a general contractor to recommend, or in some cases to avoid. Create a list of the top three to five general contractors and begin reaching out.
Interview more than one general contractor
Once you have generated a good list of recommended general contractors, schedule time to discuss your project with them individually. Outline your job, including materials you are looking for and any design inspiration. If you anticipate any tricky components to the process, go over your questions and concerns and see what ideas they may have for problem-solving. It may be helpful to walk through the space being remodeled or the site where construction will occur, so the contractor can get an idea of any limitations of the work environment. It is also important to discuss your budget. A contractor may be able to bring you savings in the long run by leveraging professional relationships they have with certain materials suppliers or skilled subcontractors. And don’t hesitate to ask for references from other projects they’ve contracted on and to reach out to those references to learn how the contractor works.
Don’t go with the cheapest bid
The contractor who bids the lowest elicits a few red flags, namely that they will cut corners and cost you more later in repairs. Generally, a contractor should cost about 10 to 15% of what you anticipate spending on the rest of the line items for the project. However, there is a lot involved in each project, including some unanticipated expenses. If this is your first kitchen remodel, for example, you may not have an accurate picture of what the final cost of the project will be. Of course, the more remodeling projects of the same type you have completed, the more precise an idea you will have about the total expense. But until you’ve cultivated your own expertise, it is a good idea to rely on the expertise of a general contractor and a safe rule of thumb to avoid the lowest bidder.
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983. Our general contractors are experienced and knowledge with home remodels in the San Francisco area. Ready to start your next project? Contact us today!
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