Why Choosing the Right GC Matters More Than Anything
Your general contractor controls your budget, timeline, quality, and stress level. A great GC makes the process feel smooth. A bad one turns your home into a war zone — financially and emotionally.
According to the Better Business Bureau, home improvement complaints are among the top 10 most frequent every year. Most stem from one root cause: choosing the wrong contractor.
The 10-Point Contractor Checklist
1. Verify Licensing and Insurance
Every state requires different contractor licenses. Verify your GC's license number with your state board. They should also carry:
- General liability insurance: Minimum $1M
- Workers' compensation: Covers injuries on your property
- Bonding: Financial protection if work isn't completed
Red flag: Any contractor who says "I don't need insurance for this size job."
2. Check at Least 3 References From the Last 12 Months
Old references don't count — businesses change. Call recent clients and ask:
- Did the project finish on budget?
- How did they handle unexpected issues?
- Were there communication problems?
- Would you hire them again?
3. Review Their Online Reputation
Check Google Reviews, Yelp, BBB, and Houzz. Look for patterns, not just star ratings. A contractor with all 5-star reviews and no detail is suspicious. Real reviews mention specifics.
4. Get 3 Detailed, Written Bids
A legitimate bid breaks down costs by category: materials, labor, permits, and markup. A single lump-sum number with no detail is a red flag.
Use a tool like our Remodel Cost Calculator to benchmark the bids against local averages.
5. Ask About Their Subcontractors
Your GC will hire subs for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Ask who they use, whether they're licensed, and how long they've worked together. Consistent subs = fewer surprises.
6. Clarify the Payment Schedule
A fair payment schedule ties payments to milestones, not dates. Never pay more than 20% upfront. Be wary of any contractor who demands large deposits or cash-only payments.
7. Understand Their Change Order Process
Ask: "How do you handle scope changes?" A professional contractor has a written change order process with documented pricing and signed approvals before any additional work begins.
8. Look at Their Communication Style
How responsive are they during the bidding phase? If they're slow to reply before they have your money, expect worse after. Great contractors provide regular updates and are easy to reach.
9. Review the Contract Carefully
Your contract should include:
- Detailed scope of work
- Total price and payment schedule
- Start and completion dates with delay penalties
- Change order procedure
- Warranty terms
- Dispute resolution process
10. Trust Your Gut — But Verify
If something feels off, it probably is. The best contractor relationships are built on transparency. A GC who's happy to show you their financials, provide lien waivers, and give you real-time project updates is the one worth hiring.
After You Hire: Stay in Control
BuildLedger gives homeowners a real-time financial dashboard for their remodel — track invoices, payments, change orders, and budget status from day one. It's the financial transparency tool that keeps both you and your contractor accountable.