Finding and selecting a general contractor: a step-by-step guide
When embarking on a home remodel, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right general contractor (GC). The process may seem overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can find a GC who aligns with your vision and ensures a smooth renovation process
1. Start your search
The foundation of a successful project starts with finding the right GC. Here’s where to begin:
Trusted Referrals: Ask your designer, architect, or engineer for recommendations. They’ve likely worked with various GCs and can guide you toward a potential good fit.
Friends and Family: Those who have completed remodels can offer invaluable advice and serve as your support system throughout the process. Don’t hesitate to lean on them!
Local Insights: Reach out to contractors working in your area who are familiar with the construction style in your neighborhood.
Review Sites and Social Media: While Yelp and similar platforms can help, avoid using them as your primary source. Instead, use them to research GCs you’ve already shortlisted.
2. Ask the right questions
Once you’ve identified potential candidates, it’s time to assess their suitability. Here are key questions to ask, now expanded with input from our design collaborators:
Experience
Have they managed projects similar to yours in size and scope?
Do they have experience working with homes of this style or age?
Can they share examples of projects of similar complexity?
Can they walk you through their client references and what those projects entailed?
Team & Subcontractors
What is their crew’s skill level, and are their subcontractors licensed?
Who will be the day-to-day project manager, and what is their experience level?
Can they tell you more about their key subcontractors and how long they’ve worked together?
Will subcontractors provide shop drawings and submittals if needed?
Capacity & Bandwidth
Do they have the bandwidth for your project and the time to meet pre-construction milestones?
How many other projects will they be working on during yours?
How often will they and their team be on-site from kickoff to completion?
Timeline & Oversight
Will they provide a detailed timeline, and how do they manage day-to-day operations?
What is their estimated completion timeline, and how do they handle delays?
How do they ensure the project stays on schedule?
Are they planning any extended vacations during your project—and if so, who is in charge while they’re away?
Communication & Problem Solving
How often will you receive updates, and what’s their preferred method of communication (email, phone, in-person)?
Do they use any project management software?
How do they typically handle unexpected issues, like hidden structural problems or permit delays?
What do they see as the biggest challenge for your project?
Billing & Budget
Is their billing structure transparent, with clear milestones or fixed pricing?
Once the design is finalized, how long will it take them to issue a full bid or proposed contract?
How do they handle change orders, and what kinds of costs are typically involved?
How do they track and communicate budget changes?
Quality Control
Do they offer any warranties on their work?
How do they handle punch lists and final walkthroughs?
3. Get Pricing
With a shortlist in hand, it’s time to gather bids. To ensure you receive the most accurate pricing:
Detailed Plans: Provide a full set of construction drawings and as many specifications as possible.
Site Visits: Arrange walkthroughs for contractors and their subcontractors.
Compare Bids: Ensure bids are apples to apples by clarifying what’s included or excluded. Request allowances for unspecified elements.
Review Estimates: Involve your designer or a knowledgeable friend to review the bids.
Sample Contracts and References: Request these to understand their work style and reliability.
Insurance: Request proof of General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance.
License: Check the CSLB website to ensure your candidates are licensed and in good standing.
4. Questions to ask references
Speaking to past clients can reveal a lot about a contractor. Here are questions to guide the conversation:
Did they honor the contract terms?
Was the job site tidy and well-managed?
How was communication and responsiveness?
Did they stick to the budget and timeline?
Were they respectful of your home and neighbors?
What set them apart from other contractors?
4. Questions to ask references
Once you’ve selected your GC, there are a few final tasks to ensure success:
Celebrate and Notify: Share the news with your GC and thank the other GCs who participated in the bidding process.
Finalize the Contract: Review and sign the contract after addressing any questions.
Prepare for Construction: Secure permits, set a start date, and prepare your home.
Stay Engaged: Establish weekly meetings and maintain open communication during the lead-up to breaking ground and throughout the process.
You're ready to go!
We are general contractors working in the San Francisco Bay Area. We provide exceptional remodeling services for projects of any size which we carry out with the highest quality and most fastidious attention to detail.