Hiring a General Contractor: Everything You Need to Know

Photo: Jenna Peffley

For those ready to bring their home improvement ideas to life, hiring a general contractor is an eventual inevitability. Fittingly, you can think of a general contractor as, well, a general. By marshaling the right supplies, and commanding an army of specialized subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople, they lead their team to execute the mission. For all things building, the buck stops with them. “A good contractor is worth their weight in gold,” says LA-based AD PRO Directory designer Ryan Saghian. “Their value lies in their ability to keep things moving, stay on budget, and deliver quality.”

According to Liz Graziolo, principal at AD100 firm Yellow House Architects, the right contractor for construction projects “helps streamline what could be considered an overwhelming process into a well-managed experience.” Ironically, the process of hiring a general contractor for the first time can be daunting for homeowners. So we spoke to a range of architects and designers—each with years of experience working with all kinds of contractors—who offered advice for finding the right professional who can quarterback your new home or home renovation project, and potentially more upgrades like bathroom remodeling in the years ahead.

Where should you look for a general contractor?

Austin-based interior designer Liz MacPhail recommends that her clients meet with at least three general contractors to get a feel for the market before making any decisions. Finding those three (or ideally more) candidates can happen online, through a contact, or even around your neighborhood.

First, tap into your network

Perhaps unsurprisingly, architects and designers emphasize the importance of leveraging one’s personal or professional network to source reputable contractors for a home improvement project. “Word of mouth is gold in this industry,” Saghian reveals. “I’ve found some amazing contractors through past clients and even on-site recommendations.”

Even if your rolodex isn’t robust, don’t be afraid to source recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors. There’s a good chance you at least know someone who knows someone with the best contractor to recommend. And once you find that person, you’ll get a unique window into the client experience.

Scan social media and online directories

Platforms like Yelp or Angie’s List can be a good starting point, but they’re not the only online tools to utilize when looking for a contractor. Stalking the grids of your favorite architecture and design accounts on Instagram can make this early stage of the process feel more visual and fun. Organize and save your favorite project-related work into a collection for easy comparison, and then reach out to any builders mentioned by name, or slide into their DMs for more info.

For a more specific way to search, you will soon be able to source your next general contractor from the AD PRO Directory. Curated by AD editors, this resource features a wide array of AD-approved general contractors and construction professionals, as well as architects, interior designers, and landscape specialists. The tool is searchable by location and professional specialty, so you can find an expert that fits the bill.

Simply take a look around

General contractors aren’t afraid to turn their job sites into marketing opportunities. With that in mind, you can source suitable builders just by taking a walk or drive through the area. Pull over any time you spot a builder’s lawn sign, and if you like what you see, their contact info is right there in front of you.

How do you find the right fit?

Each builder has their own unique skills, network, and personality. Identifying the right combination for a specific project requires putting time and effort into the search and interview process. It may seem like a major slog, but this preparation will pay dividends.

Search for specifics

According to multiple experts, tailoring your search to your particular project needs and design sensibilities will surface better candidates in less time. Whether searching online or within your network, don’t be afraid to get as specific as you can about the nature of the project and what you’re hoping to accomplish. That way, you won’t waste your time learning about contractors who specialize in brutalist construction when you need someone to handle an early American Colonial renovation.

Don’t just pick the first contractor that checks all of those boxes, though. You should also use this as an opportunity to assess your aesthetic compatibility. “For me, it’s about finding someone who not only has experience in my specific type of project, but who also shares my design sensibilities,” says Manon Roux, founder of Atelier Roux. “It’s also important to consider the style of homes they build. Are they more modern or traditional? This will affect how well they can deliver on your vision.”

Show and tell

To learn how well a contractor will complement your creative vision and requirements, walk them through your plans, and tell them everything they’ll need to know. According to Roux, the best way to go about this will vary depending on the circumstances. For new builds, she recommends showing “a comprehensive set of architectural plans and high-level elevations [that] provide a clear blueprint of the project’s structure and layout.” With renovations, detailed schematics and reference images for finishes, materials, and the like help “ensure that both parties agree on the project’s visions and expectations.”

Allowing a contractor to understand what you envision also requires sharing concrete information about your project’s timeline, budget, and other defining parameters up front. When it’s time to start working with your ultimate contractor of choice, this makes it much easier for their team to hit the ground running. “This isn’t the time to be vague,” Saghian puts it bluntly. “A well-prepared brief not only helps the contractor understand the scope, it also shows them you mean business.”

Ask the right questions

A contractor’s unique skill set may explain how well they can handle a project, but it doesn’t tell you anything about what it’s actually like to work with them. Don’t be afraid to ask about their communication style, project management methods, and problem-solving skills. Experts cited adaptability, clear communication, and professionalism as the key attributes to look for in a contractor you can rely on from one project to the next. “Finding the right fit is more than just finding the best-priced bid,” MacPhail advises. “It’s finding someone you feel you can trust with a process you understand and respect.”

Others echoed the importance of asking questions that can reveal a contractor’s problem-solving skills, and illuminate their overall process. “I’m not shy about asking the hard questions up front,” Saghian says of his approach to fit assessment. “I want to know about their experience with similar projects, how they handle unexpected setbacks, and what their current workload is.”

Understanding how much a contractor has on their plate already can be make or break. Other concurrent work can signal quality, and offers a chance to see their skills and processes at play. But even a world-class contractor with too much to juggle might drop the ball or cause delays for you if they’re focused on putting out a fire somewhere else.

And the questions shouldn’t stop once the initial interview is over. Be sure to ask any contractor for several references you can reach out to. This is a unique opportunity to determine whether they live up to their claims, so be sure to inquire about their personality, communication style, and level of professionalism. Though it might take some legwork, the effort up front will produce more accurate assessments from each potential contractor. That means you can make a better-informed choice when it’s time to evaluate bids, and avoid potentially costly surprises further down the road.

How can you tell you’re getting a fair estimate?

Even if you’re confident in the accuracy of a contractor’s assessment, that doesn’t mean you should take all of their numbers at face value. Here’s how to avoid hiring a contractor who’ll end up overcharging you, cutting corners, or both.

Read the fine print

Closely scrutinizing the contents of each estimate is the best way to minimize your risk of hiring a contractor who’ll blow a giant hole in your or your client’s budget. Assuming you solicited bids from at least three contractors, and presented them with the same information, compare their estimates side by side to see if anything jumps out at you. There might be a perfectly valid reason for that suspiciously high (or low) price or a seemingly missing line item, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.

To establish a good baseline for comparison, Roux researches what a given general contractor charges for competitively priced subcontracting services. “You can often spot disparities in how much they charge for specific elements like electrical work, plumbing, or millwork,” Roux explains. “These areas tend to be easier to gauge when determining if a contractor might be overcharging.”

Just as it’s important to dive into the numbers, keep a sharp eye out for any details that feel fuzzy or seem like they’re missing, and press for more specifics on things like payment schedule, warranty, worker’s compensation, insurance coverage, and anything else that comes to mind. “Where there are unknowns, make sure they provide contingencies,” suggests Graziolo. “Unclear and vague quotes can leave room for unexpected costs and surprises.”

Ask an expert

It can be hard to tell if you’re getting a good deal if you’re operating in an unfamiliar market, whether in terms of geography or knowledge. In either case, Roux suggests hiring an estimating company to provide a quote for your project, based on factors that include its location. With this independent feel for the numbers, you can more easily determine which prices are normal, and which ones raise a red flag. The Better Business Bureau also offers a multitude of resources at your disposal in this regard.

You get what you pay for

The consensus among architects and designers is that a contractor’s price often correlates with the quality of their work. But if a quote comes in significantly lower than those of competing contractors, take that number as a warning to expect cost overruns, shoddy workmanship, or a late completion date.

On the flip side, hiring a pricier contractor can often end up being a shrewd investment. “A great contractor might cost more up front, but they save you in the long run,” affirms Saghian. “They know where to cut costs without sacrificing quality and they keep the project moving, which ultimately saves time—and time is money.”

How can you foster a good working relationship with your contractor?

On the whole, a successful partnership with your general contractor comes down to when, how, and how often you communicate with one another.

Establish a solid foundation

Collaboration works best when everyone is clear about their role and responsibility. That’s why it’s vital to communicate the scope of work and key deadlines from the outset, so your contractor can make sure they’ve marshaled the right materials and labor with plenty of time to spare. “I make sure lead times are confirmed in writing, and [we] check in regularly to make sure we’re on track,” Saghian says. “The key is to build trust in the beginning so they can handle the day-to-day without constant oversight later on.”

Write it down

Any major decisions, important updates, or potential issues should always be communicated in writing. Establishing a written contract and any subsequent change orders on paper ensures accountability among the parties involved, which can protect your professional reputation. “I once worked with a contractor who constantly changed his mind and miscommunicated with the client, often blaming us for issues,” Roux recalls. “[Now] we document everything in our projects, and we’ve become even more diligent.”

Of course, there’s no upper limit on how detailed this documentation can get. Mary Senft, interior designer and founder of SenHoma, notes that her team prepares a detailed construction binder for the builder to keep on-site. This resource catalogs both overall and item-level specifications, as well as any specialty installation instructions. “Maintaining a positive relationship with a general contractor, especially during challenges or disagreements, requires a collaborative mindset,” Senft says. “By staying organized and transparent, we can ensure that everyone is on the same page.”

Keep it positive and professional

The difference between an okay contractor and a great one is the level of character and professionalism they demonstrate, even in moments of conflict. Bringing out these qualities in your contractor is about establishing mutual accountability and trust. MacPhail likes to establish open communication with her contractors, so each can feel comfortable discussing and resolving problems as a team. This gets everyone “on the same page about the issue and the best next steps,” she says, while also “maintaining a positive, mutually respectful and collaborative environment”.

At the end of the day, contractors are people too, and they want to know they’re heard and recognized for their work. As Saghian puts it, “a little appreciation goes a long way, and complimenting good work keeps the vibe positive.” Through every delay, logistical challenge, or battle over the budget, he explains that the best way to work with a general contractor is to ultimately remember that you’re on the same team with the same vision. “When things get tough, I remind myself we’re both working toward the same goal—a beautifully executed project.”

Are you looking for an architect, interior designer, or landscape pro to hire for your next project? Visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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