There is no doubt that a general contractor is one of the most important members of your construction team. They handle every aspect of a project, from scheduling inspections to selecting materials. Whether you are a home owner looking to build your first house or a commercial developer planning to erect a new office building, hiring a good contractor is a key step in the process.
When you hire a general contractor, you are entrusting him with the responsibility of turning your architect’s visions into reality. He is in charge of your subcontractors’ performance, the quality of their work and the overall process of your construction.
Depending on the scope of your project, your general contractor will have different responsibilities. For example, a residential developer builds dwellings for residential use, while a commercial developer builds offices. In either case, a general contractor needs to meet multiple requirements to earn your business.
The first requirement is to be licensed by the state. Most states require contractors to hold licenses, so be sure to check. Depending on the type of job, a general contractor may need a certain number of years of experience and take a certification exam.
You can also ask about your general contractor’s references. Be sure to ask about how easy it was to work with the company and how well they maintained a schedule. A good reference is a good sign that the contractor will be able to handle your job. Ask for three references with a few recent completed projects.
You can also find out more about a potential general contractor by checking out his payment profile. This website allows you to compare the GC’s payments to other contractors. If you find the GC’s payments seem too low, you might want to reconsider.
While hiring a general contractor is not the easiest task, the results can be worth it. With the help of a quality GC, you’ll be able to avoid frustrations associated with the construction process.
Your prospective GC should have a solid background in the construction industry. He should have a list of previous clients that you can contact and visit. Also, he should be available at all times. And, he should provide a turn-key contract. That way, you can rest assured that your GC will be the one handling the majority of the work.
Before you hire a general contractor, you’ll need to make sure he has a license to work in your state. Some jurisdictions require that all contractors working on projects over $500 have a license. Those who do not have a license can face penalties and even jail time.
Moreover, you will need to ensure that your GC has insurance and worker’s compensation. These two factors will protect you from any accidents, injuries or damages that occur during your project. It is also a good idea to obtain a contractor’s surety bond.
A GC is one of the most important members of your building team, so be sure to hire someone who is trustworthy. Not only will you benefit from their skills and expertise, you’ll be able to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your project is in good hands. If you need a reliable general contractor in Boise visit https://www.cedarandsagehomebuilders.com/.