Finding a Reliable General Contractor

Embarking on any construction project, whether it is residential or commercial, usually requires hiring the services of a general contractor. The entire responsibility of construction is entrusted to a general contractor. It is the general contractor who brings in and supervises the subcontractors that are required for the construction project. This skilled professional is responsible for making sure that the project is on the right track and is within the budget limits. A general contractor is even responsible for making sure that the project site adheres to the local safety, employment, and other laws. So, the question is, “How would one find a reliable general contractor?”

Here are a few steps that will help anyone find a reliable general contractor.

1. One should start out at least three months early to find a reliable general contractor. Be ready to spend a great deal of time researching, assessing, and deciding on a numerous contractors before making a final decision.

2. One should talk to the family members, friends, business associates, and even the professionals with whom he or she does business with, such as a lawyer or accountant, and build a list of general contractors referred by them. If possible, one should also contact the local chapter of trade unions to ask for a list of active contractors in his or her area. Get at least three referrals before beginning the assessment.

3. Start calling each of the referred general contractors and schedule a personal interview with them. For a general contractor, a project is a project, whether it is big or small. The contractor should value the clients and spare some time to meet them personally to discuss the project. If the contractor does not show up any time soon, it is wise to strike off that contractor from the list of potential contractors.

4. While calling the contractors and scheduling a personal interview, be sure to ask them to bring a copy of the valid contractor’s license. Also, ask them to bring an updated proof of insurance. If the contractor does not have a valid license and updated insurance, it is obvious not to hire him or her.

5. During the personal interview, find out about the contractor’s experience. Also, state the project requirements and ask for the rate at which the contractor will be willing to work. Finally, choose the one who is considerably experienced and has reasonable and affordable services to offer.

A word of advice

There might be a chance of a general contractor producing a false license. If anyone is looking for a general contractor in Virginia, then he or she should verify the authenticity of contractor’s license with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). It is easy to verify the genuineness of the contractor’s license. One just needs to open DOPR’s website (http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/) and click on “License Lookup” menu that is on the left side on the home page. This will open a license search page. Fill-up the search form with the name of the general contractor or his or her business name, zip code, and license or certificate number. Sometimes only the name will suffice. Before clicking the “Search Licenses” button, select the “Boards”, which is right under the “Search Licenses” button. From the “Boards” scroll down to “Contractors” and select “Contractor Businesses” if the contractor is a part of a company or “Individual Licenses and Certifications” if the contractor is self-employed. Now scroll back to the top of the page and click the “Search Licenses” button. Within seconds, the page will redirect to the details of the license of the general contractor.

Almost similar process applies to verify the authenticity of general contractor’s license in other states of the United States. To find the local licensing and regulation department, internet search engine, such as Google or Bing is the best option.

Note: Image Courtesy Google Images