Taking on a new residential or commercial construction project is exciting and full of possibilities – and you want it to stay that way throughout the duration of the project, even as stressful decisions need to be made. The good news is that it can, provided you find the right general contractor for the job.

Where to Start When Selecting a GC for your South Florida Project

The biggest of projects always start out as just an idea. Plenty of thought and consideration goes into forming this idea well before you take any steps to consult with a contractor. But when you’re ready, there are some important things you should do first to ensure that you find the right team for your specific project. Here’s where to start:

1. Check in with friends and family – For new construction or luxury residential projects, get in touch with others you know who have recently had work completed on their home. Ask them about their experiences with their contractor and if they would recommend them. Trust and reliability are vital components in a relationship with a GC, so be sure to ask important questions regarding how well they lived up to their commitment to the job and their communication style.
2. Interview multiple contractors – One and done won’t work for construction projects. Interview multiple general contractors and ask questions about their experience with jobs like yours, their licensing, insurance and qualifications, as well as their relationship with other subcontractors and trades in the area. Good relationships are essential to good builds. Determine what kind of relationships your GC maintains with other respected professionals and clients.
3. Collect bids – After you’ve made your shortlist of contractors, gather bids so you have a more complete understanding of how the project will unfold and what it will cost you. As you compare bids, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions, and don’t be surprised if the bids vary – at times, quite significantly. (Hint – be wary of low-ball bids!).

The process of picking out the right general contractor for your project can feel overwhelming but taking your time to find the right match is important to overall success of the job. The right contractor can make the entire process a success whereas the wrong one can leave you over-budget and over-due when it comes to your timeline.

At Seacoast Construction, we have more than 20 years of experience with commercial and luxury residential home projects in South Florida. If you have questions about yours, contact us today to schedule a consultation.