General contractors near you

What does a general contractor do?

In short, a general contractor is a professional who oversees the project. They will gather all the materials and necessary permits, and hire specialized workers to complete the project.

It's important to remember that even though you are paying others to complete a project you originally considered doing on your own, a good general contractor can help to make sure your project is successful and completed within a certain timeframe. Large projects requiring city permits typically demand a professional assigned to the project due to safety regulations.

General contractors should also provide an estimated cost of the total project. Many will often be able to source project material cheaper than if you had approached the seller on your own. If you hire a general contractor, you should take advantage of all that they can offer. Stipulate in the contract that they will be responsible for the delivery of materials and the clean-up.

 

Do I need a general contractor?

For large projects, like a new home build, almost everyone would agree that a general contractor is needed. However, many homeowners prefer to DIY smaller projects, such as a bathroom renovation, or decide to tackle the general contractor role themselves. While this can save some money, it can also present additional problems. Homeowners must decide if it’s worth the extra work and hassle to serve as their own general contractors.

Consider these questions when determining if you need to hire a general contractor.

• Can I physically perform the labor to complete to the project?
• Do I have the time to complete the project?
• Do I have the skills or knowledge needed?
• Do I need a permit?
  
  

If you are unable or unwilling to perform all the tasks needed, you would benefit from hiring a general contractor. 

 

How to stay within budget when hiring a general contractor?

Establishing a budget and sticking to it is the best way to ensure that a home remodeling or construction project stays on budget. Communication between you and your general contractor is the key to prevent cost overruns, although you should build a “cushion” in your budget for unforeseen circumstances.

First, stay realistic when creating your budget. Research the typical cost of labor and materials your project will require. Many additional costs can be prevented (or assimilated into the budget) if you and your general contractor discuss every detail of the project.

Know exactly what you expect from the finished project. Once you know exactly what you want and have expressed the idea to the contractor, you can then figure out how to cut costs on the project. Discuss every option before the project begins. Your contractor should be able to create a detailed list that breaks down the cost of each item and task.

 

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