When do you need a general contractor

You may be curious as to what a general contractor does and if you really need to hire one. Before you begin your next project, take some time to find out why and when you should hire a general contractor. It may end up saving you a lot of stress, time and money. Most simply put, a general contractor is the person in charge of getting your project done. There are both commercial and residential general contractors, but we will be focusing on residential general contractors as they are the kind you would be hiring for any home improvement project.

A residential general contractor is the person who executes larger home projects and organizes all of the trades involved with the project. A general contractor will find and hire these subcontractors, work out the administrative duties involved, and ensure your kitchen renovation is completed on time and on budget.

A general contractor will oversee your entire project and make sure it is done to your satisfaction. You may not realize that a kitchen renovation involves several kinds of subcontractors, all performing different tasks at different times. For one kitchen reno, you may need the help of an electrician, a plumber, a countertop manufacturer, a cabinet contractor, a flooring specialist, painters, and finally someone to install your new appliances.

Hiring a general contractor will ensure that the proper trades are hired and the work gets done. They also have an advantage over the average homeowner because they know pricing and good quality work when they see it. Another thing your general contractor will take care of for you is all administrative tasks.

From ensuring all subcontractors are paid, to getting building permits, to securing insurance for all workers. Often times basic homeowner insurance will not be sufficient enough for a renovation project. Hiring a general contractor also comes with a warranty of at least one year. This means that if anything should go wrong with your newly renovated kitchen, you can simply call your general contractor to fix it.

Our network of expert general contractors are the best at what they do, and their work is backed by a five-year workmanship warranty. Request your free, no-obligation estimate now. Just enter your ZIP code at the top of the page to get started! Find the right general contractor for your renovation or remodeling project.

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When to Hire a General Contractor. The responsibilities of a general contractor Residential contractors oversee and coordinate nearly every aspect of a home improvement or remodeling project. When should you hire a general contractor? There are some tell-tale signs of a scammer, though, and they include:.

First, attempt to communicate with the contractor directly by calling or emailing them. Oftentimes, you can resolve the issue without involving outside agencies. But if the problem persists, you can go to your local consumer protection office or your state attorney for assistance.

Lauren is an accomplished freelance writer who covers a variety of topics, including home improvement, sustainability and more. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros. Select Region. United States. United Kingdom.

Lauren Murphy, Samantha Allen. Contributor, Editor. Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Find A General Contractor. There are some tell-tale signs of a scammer, though, and they include: No insurance No license Requires cash payment upfront No references Difficult to contact Will not write or sign a contract.

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