From smaller home renovations to ground-up custom luxury builds and everything in between, one of the hardest parts of any project is not completing the work itself, but it’s finding a reliable general contractor who can successfully do the job. As contractors ourselves, even we are surprised by the projects we get called in to complete because the previous contractor made erroneous mistakes that led to cost overruns, project delays, and other serious problems.

As you undertake your next construction project, consider these important factors when vetting general contractors for the job:

• Define your project scope before you talk to contractors – Know what you want and have some specific plans in mind before you start collecting bids from contractors. This will help you get more accurate estimates and also help you narrow down your list of potential contractors to just those who have experience with the type of project you want to complete.

• Ask around for recommendations and references – A good place to start when looking for a reliable GC is to talk to the people you know and trust. If your friend or neighbor has done a project similar to yours, they will be able to offer some insight into the process and people they worked with.

• Interview at least 3-5 contractors – This is your opportunity to ask a lot of questions and gain insight into the GC’s communication style and workmanship. Ask for references, look at their previous work, and be sure to get a written proposal with estimate from each contractor you interview (and if you don’t understand the bid, be sure to ask follow-up questions!). This is also your opportunity to understand who they partner with for subcontractors and how they manage the overall project to ensure it is completed on time and on budget.

• Check licenses, insurance, and any history – Ask for a copy of the contractor’s license as well as the licenses of the subcontractors. Search for any complaints against the company and check references to get another inside look at how the GC performs on the job. Be sure to also verify that the contractor has business insurance.

Hiring the right general contractor for your build is one of the most important steps in your construction project. Finding the right partner means your dream home will become a reality and your goals and expectations for the project will be met professionally and reliably.

If you’re looking for a general contractor in South Florida, get in touch with our team at Seacoast Construction. With over 20 years of experience in the local market, we are well-connected and well-versed in meeting the needs of our community members.