Selecting & Hiring the Best General Contractor

With a booming construction market, Houston is home to several reputed general contractors today. The metropolitan city is witnessing an impressive growth of construction and home improvement projects. Driven by rapid expansion and innovation, Houston is further facing a huge demand for commercial projects. So, it is clear that if you are looking for a general contractor for your home renovation or office remodeling project, there is no shortage of appropriate professionals in Houston. However, everything is not as easy as it appears to be. Choosing the right GC from a pool of professionals is a daunting task, to say the least. The process of hiring a GC is protracted and cannot be completed in a few hours. After all, it is more than just conducting a series of telephonic interviews. 

To find the right general contractor in Houston, you can start by researching online. Next, you can prepare a list of your shortlisted contractors. Remember, this is not the end but just the beginning. You have to take several points into consideration for selecting the right GC for your project. It can cost you dearly if you rush the hiring process and end up selecting the wrong GC. It would be a loss of time, money, efforts, and most importantly, a heart-breaking experience for you. Through this blog, we shall tell you some things-to-consider before hiring a GC. Let us read further to learn more. 

Start with Understanding Your Requirements 

Before you start ringing up the professionals, understand what your requirements are. To communicate your needs to the GC, you have to fathom what you want. Moreover, several types of contractors are operating in the construction market today. Without being certain about your needs, you can end up contacting the wrong contractor for your project thereby wasting considerable time. Now, that is not desirable since every moment matters in this challenging process. If you need to renovate your home, then contacting a residential contractor is essential. In case you are looking forward to remodeling your office or retail expansion, you have to contact a commercial contractor for the same. 

Further, you have to understand whether or not home remodeling is your goal. A GC who specializes in remodeling shall be able to tackle the challenges associated with this project. Similarly, there are new building contractors who are specialized in and well-versed with ground-up construction. Knowing your needs will not only help you distinguish between different types of contractors but it shall streamline your search for the right GC. This is just an overview of all types of GCs and their specialized services. If you are keen to learn more about the differences and nuances, we suggest you read one of our blogs that deals with this subject in detail. Click on the link to learn more - Understanding Different Types of General Contractors & Service . 

Now, that apart, you also have to keep in mind a few other points. Do you want the GC function as a project manager or a construction manager? Or do you want your GC to function as a single entity of designer-builder? If you are confident in handling business affairs and vendor administration on your own, then opting for a construction management team will suffice. Should you want to stay covered with end-to-end services, hiring design-build is the best way to about it. Are you confused and cannot decide? To analyze better, we recommend you read “Construction Processes Followed by General Contractors in Houston” .  

Focus on Reputation, Experience & Expertise

Time and again, we have stressed the importance of hiring a licensed and insured GC. There is no dearth of rookie contractors who make tall claims but falter when it comes to meeting your satisfaction. To ensure that your interests are protected and expectations are met, you should always trust general contractors in Houston with several years of experience and impressive professional record. We recommend you do a little research, as it can take you a long way and help you make the best decision for your projects. So study the website extensively to find answers to basic questions such as – Do they have a license for the construction work you are planning them to hire for? Do they carry general liability insurance and workmen’s compensation? For how many years they have been in this business? Unless you are confirmed on these fronts, you should not proceed. Further, you can read the client testimonials to know what to expect and how reliable the professional is going to be. Ask your family and friends if they know and have ever engaged any contractor for their home improvement or office remodeling project. This can be a good way of getting in touch with a reliable professional. 

There is no denying that experience and knowledge are important for hiring the right GC, but you also have to look for positive qualities in your prospective professional. Generally speaking, working with someone who is rigid and not open to new ideas can give anyone a tough time. As such, you have to make sure that the GC you are about to hire has impressive communication skills, is resilient, tolerant towards other’s ideas, and fun to work with. Ensuring these qualities will make it easier for you to collaborate with your GC for the next 12 to 24 months of the construction/remodeling project. Do you know what else you can do to develop a rapport with your GC? Well, to find out more, read our blog here Tips for Effective Interaction with Your Remodeling Contractor

Look for Comprehensive Guidance and Responsibilities 

Searching with “general contractors near me” can help you get in touch with local contractors but there is no guarantee that their services are going to ensure your satisfaction. You need more than just local contractors to get the best construction or remodeling result. A reputable professional begins his work as soon as you contact them for help. Offering a holistic consultation is the biggest hallmark of an experienced GC. Acting as your advisor, the expert will try his best to fathom and analyze the feasibilities of your ideas. If he finds any idea unachievable, the expert will let you know the same without deluding you in any manner. Moreover, the GC is expected to review your property documents, set a preliminary budget, and conduct a financial feasibility study thereby preparing a solid foundation for your project. From assembling the design team to preparing 3-D designs, your potential contractor should ensure that design & development are falling in with your preferences and proposed ideas. Do you want to know more about the preconstruction responsibilities of general contractors? Then, check out our blog “General Contractor Design & Pre-Construction Responsibilities” .

Throughout the construction phase, the GC is going to be a true friend and guide. Not only does the expert submit plans for obtaining permits but he appoints vendors and orders utilities for the smooth progress of the construction or remodeling plan. Choose a GC who offers on-site supervision and monitors day-to-day activities as part of his services. The professional must also make sure every utility installation on the site is as per the construction drawing and proposed plans. Along with all these responsibilities, the GC should also act as your single point of contact and keep you updated with all the current developments of the site. All in all, the GC ensures that the project is completed within the promised deadline and fits in your schedule of values. If you want to read more on this topic, read our blog “General Contractor Construction Responsibilities” .

Conclusion – The responsibilities of general contractors are not restricted to the construction phase. They are supposed to cover you with their post-construction warranty guarantee as well. Therefore, you must hire a GC who promises to guide you from initial consultation through the construction development to the warranty phase. Finding the best GC might take some time, but it is going to be worthy of all efforts. From getting the right results to ensuring good value for money, you can achieve it all with a reliable GC by your side. Marwood Construction is a licensed and reputable general contracting company in Houston. To engage its world-class services, get in touch with the team of professionals today.