General Contractor

A residential general contractor is a home remodeling professional who specializes in organizing and executing larger projects around the home. In addition to performing much of the remodeling work itself, they plan the design and architectural details of the project as well as oversee other professionals brought in to complete things like plumbing and electrics.

When to Hire a General Contractor

For smaller jobs such as kitchen cabinet replacement or upgrading bathroom fixtures you probably do not need to hire a residential general contractor. However a full scale kitchen remodel, room addition, basement or attic conversion are examples of the kinds of project that can take weeks or even months. Hiring a residential general contractor in those circumstances is certainly the best course of action.

The residential general contractor is usually the person who oversees the original hiring of all the subcontractors who are needed to complete the job. The GC usually knows from long experience who in the local area will do a good job and charge a reasonable amount for their services. They can also help solve scheduling conflicts that may arise between the subcontractors to save the homeowner themselves having to get in the middle of a situation they may not be equipped to handle.

Take for instance a complete kitchen remodel. To get the job done you are probably going to need a kitchen countertop and cabinet installer, an electrician, a plumber and maybe even a painter. A residential general contractor is the "maestro" who can organize all of these individuals and make sure that everything gets done as efficiently and as close to on schedule as possible

What to Ask a Residential GC Before You Hire Them

When you start your search for a good residential general contractor it is an accepted rule of thumb in the remodeling industry that the savvy homeowner should solicit bids from at least three different general contractors and make their decision from amongst them after they have spoken with each of them in depth. Personal recommendations are always a good way to find a good general contractor as are the online services who specialize in matching consumers with qualified remodeling professionals of all kinds.

Taking price into consideration should be a large part of the homeowner's decision making process but not the only one. Having a good rapport with the residential general contractor you choose is essential – after all, this person is going to be in and out of your house on an almost daily basis for a while and if you cannot communicate in a friendly yet professional manner, or you don't quite trust them it is almost always a recipe for remodeling disaster.

It is essential that you know that the general contractor you choose is committed to your project as well. Speak to the references he or she provides you with personally rather than just glancing at the names on a piece of paper. Ask the general contractor how long they have been in business and how many other projects they might be overseeing while your job is progress.

When you have made a final decision get everything – and that means everything – down in writing. Make sure you know what is and isn't in that contract and if you have any doubts at all consult a legal professional before you sign anything.