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Elevation plan

Things to Look for in a General Contractor

  • Communication: Are they good at communicating with you? If not then they may not be good at giving you the service you deserve. They may not be able to communicate with sub-contractors well either, and that can lead to an inefficient, slow and over-budget project. 
  • Contracts – Project Dates, Details & Responsibilities: Before signing a contract or letting construction begin make sure you know 
    • who is responsible for getting the needed building permits 
    • when they will start and end work 
    • the project budget 
    • payment dates and schedule 
    • cleanup details 
    • also get an exact description of the project scope, to include a list of materials being used 
    • make sure any verbal promises are in the contract 
  • Itemized Bills: A quality general contractor will know how much value they create. They should not be afraid to give you an itemized bill. Typically general contractors tack on 10 to 15% to the construction costs for their management time and services. 
  • Reputation: Obviously a recommendation from trusted friends goes a long way, but also be on the lookout for things that might indicate questionable behavior, like 
    • requiring over 30% payment up front 
    • refusal to give an exact quote before work begins 
    • lack of insurance or contractor registration number 
    • unmarked vehicles 
    • high pressure sales tactics

Be wary of contractors who:

  • Provide credentials or references that can’t be verified.
  • Offer a special price only if you sign today or use other high-pressure sales techniques.
  • Accept only cash, require large deposits or the entire cost up front or ask you to make the payment in their name.
  • Do not provide a written contract or complete bid.
  • As you to pick up the building permit. In most instances, the contractor is required to take out the permits. Permits are your protection and help ensure that work will meet local building codes.
  • Offer exceptionally long warranties.
  • Want to do most or all the work on weekends and after-hours.
  • Give you an offer that sounds “too good to be true.”

general contractor requirements 2

The five things every contractor must have

  1. If required by your state, a license. You can check the Web (contractors-license.org) for your state’s rules. If he does have a license, take down the number and call your state or local licensing board to verify it. 
  2. Liability insurance. This protects your house and property in case the contractor or his employees cause damage. 
  3. Workers’ compensation insurance. Without it you can be held responsible if someone is injured while doing work on your property. 
  4. Insured subcontractors. The same liability and workers’ compensation insurance that your contractor has should be carried by all the specialists (plumbers, electricians and others) he hires. 
  5. A clean bill of health from the Better Business Bureau. How many complaints have been filed, if any? Remember that misunderstandings do and will occur, so if there was a complaint, see if it was resolved satisfactorily.

General Contractor Checklist

Use this checklist to help identify the type of remodeling contractor best suited to you and your project: 

  • Is the contractor licensed? 
  • Does the contractor have a permanent business location and a good reputation in your area? How long has he been in business? 
  • Have you checked the Better Business Bureau to review the company’s track record within the community? 
  • Have you verified that the contractor’s worker’s compensation and general liability insurance are valid and current? 
  • Has the contractor completed projects like the one you are planning? 
  • Will the contractor provide you with client references for projects both completed and in progress? 
  • Will the contractor provide you with a complete and clearly written contract? 
  • Will the contractor provide you with a written warranty upon completion? 
  • Do you feel comfortable with the general contractor? Remember, you will be working closely with the contractor and crew from a couple to several months depending on the scope of work. 
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  • Type : Modern
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  • positive review  Oasis Custom Homes was absolutely wonderful to work with during the entire process. David Kanstoroom was extremely patient and helped guide me through each step. I would highly recommend them to anyone thinking of remodeling or building a new home.

    Natacha Christeler Avatar Natacha Christeler
    August 18, 2020
  • positive review  David is great to work with, very professional and reliable! I highly recommend building a home with him.

    Laura Sayegh Avatar Laura Sayegh
    August 4, 2020