When contemplating your next home renovation project or embarking on the construction of a new home, choosing the right contractor stands as a critical initial stage in the planning process. Here are 10 pro tips to help you find a general contractor that fits your project and budget.

**1. Check the Contractor’s Work and References**
Talk to people who own homes remodeled by the contractor. Call homeowners the contractor suggests, but also try to talk to some that were not on the contractor’s list. Ask to see homes under renovation.
**2. Check Insurance and License Information**
Ask the contractor what kind of insurance they carry, including liability and workers’ compensation; ask for their certificate of insurance and verify with the insurance company that the policy is still in effect.
**3. Check out the Contractor with Outside Agencies**
Call the Better Business Bureau at (703) 276-0100 and the state’s attorney general’s office at (800) 621-0508 for complaints. The county clerk’s office in each county has information of any past criminal records and lawsuits filed against contractors.

4. Check the Contractor’s Financial Standing

Call banks and title companies that the contractor uses. Call the contractor’s main suppliers to be sure they are being paid on time. Check for the contractor’s name in federal bankruptcy court at the federal courthouse.

5. Know who will be Working on your Home

Find out which subcontractors the contractor uses and ask them if the contractor is reliable. Ask them how long they have worked for the contractor. Find out who will be in charge on the job site meet the person and introduce yourself before the job starts.

6. Establish good communication

The contractor should be available to answer questions before, during, and after construction. Ask the contractor how you get in touch with them day or night and the best time to call.

**7. Demand thorough written bids and contracts**
Each bid should specify the materials involved and the cost to complete major phases of the project corresponding to project payouts. Compare the bids based on what each offers in terms of material quality – not just the price. A contractor should be able to explain to you why a bid is higher or lower than another. Make sure you understand the contract; pay a lawyer to review it if you have reservations. Any changes to the contract should be in writing, dated and initialed, by you and the contractor.
**8. Set up a schedule of payments based on stages of completion**
This should be part of the contract. If you have a mortgage, then the title company or mortgage company can make these payments for you and verify that the work has been completed. If it is a remodeling project that you are paying for, then you may still want to utilize the services of a title company to protect your financial interests. Withhold final payment until after the final building inspections are completed and the terms of the contract have been fulfilled.

9. Make sure all permits are obtained and the building inspector approves the final project

The contract should specify that the contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary building permits. The building inspectors work for the property owners and with the contractors to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Building permits and inspections are your insurance policy that the project will be built to a certain standard.

10. Find out what service the contractor provides after construction ends

Read the warranty language. Ask the contractor how you properly document warranty service requests to the company and the policy for responding to your request. Find out who will do the repairs. In the real world, things will happen. It is how the contractor takes care of these things for you that’s important.

**Sample questions to ask at your site visits:**
How long have you been a general contractor?
How many projects have you managed simultaneously? How many do you plan to manage while working on my project?
Are you familiar with the local building codes and regulations?
Who will be in charge of my project and who will be working on it?
How will you handle any unexpected challenges, delays, or changes during the project?
What is your policy for communication and updates during the project?
What potential challenges could you foresee with my project?
How do you plan to protect my home during my renovation?
How does your payment schedule work?
What is your insurance coverage?
Do you provide a warranty for your work?
Do you have references from previous clients?

Traditional General Contractors vs Design-Build Contractors

A traditional general contractor manages the construction process, including procuring materials and hiring subcontractors. Some traditional contractors may also offer creative solutions or very basic design services, but the level of input varies from firm to firm.

A design-build company, on the other hand, is a company that takes responsibility for both the design and construction of a project. They typically have in-house architects, designers, and construction experts who work together to create the plans and then carry out the construction. This is often the most efficient option when architectural design services are required.

Here at Amy Baez Interiors, we partner with a wide array of contractors across Houston and the Bay Area, ranging from traditional build-only contractors to full-service design-build firms. Whether you’re seeking a simple renovation or a complete design-build solution, we’re here to meet your needs! Simply book a discovery call to start connecting with our network of trusted contractors today.

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