Hiring a general contractor is a big step in bringing your renovation or construction plans to life. Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, adding a new room, or building a home from the ground up, your contractor will be the quarterback of your project. And just like any great team effort, success depends on good preparation, clear communication, and a shared understanding of expectations.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps homeowners should take before, during, and after hiring a general contractor to ensure a smoother, more efficient building experience.
Understand Your Project Goals
Before contacting contractors, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want. This doesn’t mean you need architectural drawings or a permit in hand, but you should be able to communicate your vision in detail.
Ask yourself:
- What is the goal of this project?
- What are my “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves”?
- What is my realistic budget?
- When do I need the project completed?
Having answers to these questions will help contractors give you accurate estimates and timelines and help you determine whether their approach aligns with your expectations.
Set a Realistic Budget (And Share It)
Many homeowners are hesitant to share their budget, fearing that it will cause contractors to inflate prices. In reality, reputable general contractors use your budget to tailor their proposal and keep your project within financial
boundaries.
If you’re unsure about costs, get rough pricing for similar projects in your area. Include not only labor and materials, but also fees for permits, inspections, and contingencies. A solid rule of thumb is to add 10–20% to your expected cost to cover the unexpected.
Do Your Homework on Contractors
Not all contractors are created equal. Take time to research potential candidates before signing anything. Look for the following:
- Licensing and insurance: These are non-negotiables.
- Experience: Have they done similar work before?
- References: Ask for recent clients and actually contact them.
- Reviews and ratings: Check sites like Google, Angi, Houzz, or BBB.
Ask if they specialize in certain types of projects. Some general contractors focus on residential renovations, others on new builds or commercial work. Choose a pro who fits your specific needs.
Plan for the Bidding Process
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few contractors, ask for written bids. A quality bid should include:
- Scope of work
- Itemized materials and labor costs
- Timeline and payment schedule
- Details on subcontractors and suppliers
- Warranty or guarantee information
Compare apples to apples. A lower bid isn’t always the best option, look at quality, reliability, and communication too. Use this process to gauge how responsive and transparent the contractor is before committing.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you select your general contractor, make sure you have a detailed, signed contract. The contract should include:
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Project timeline with start and end dates
- Materials to be used
- Responsibilities (yours and the contractor’s)
- Procedures for change orders
- Dispute resolution process
Never work with a contractor who wants to operate on a handshake alone. A proper contract protects both parties.
Prepare Your Home and Family
Construction can be loud, dusty, and disruptive. Depending on the scale of your project, you might need to prepare your home and routines ahead of time:
- Clear work areas: Remove valuables, furniture, and anything breakable.
- Protect kids and pets: Keep them away from hazardous zones.
- Plan for limited access: You might lose use of kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways for a time.
- Neighborly courtesy: Let neighbors know what to expect regarding noise and activity.
Consider renting a storage unit or setting up a temporary kitchen space if your remodel will be extensive.
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Miscommunication is one of the biggest causes of delays and frustration. To avoid it:
- Decide how and when you’ll communicate (email, phone, texts).
- Set expectations for daily or weekly check-ins.
- Keep records of important conversations or changes in writing.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions or speak up if something feels off.
A good general contractor welcomes communication and will keep you informed at every stage of the process.
Be Flexible (But Stay Informed)
No matter how well you plan, surprises can and often do happen. Materials may be delayed, weather may interfere, or previously hidden damage might be uncovered. Trust your general contractor to handle these issues professionally, but don’t check out entirely.
Be open to reasonable adjustments, but ask for explanations and documentation. Being involved without micromanaging is the sweet spot.
Inspect and Sign Off the Right Way
When your project nears completion, schedule a final walk-through with your contractor. Use this time to:
- Check that the work matches what was promised in the contract
- Create a punch list of small items still needing attention
- Ask questions about warranties, maintenance, or future repairs
Only make your final payment once everything has been completed to your satisfaction.
Build a Long-Term Relationship
A great general contractor isn’t just a one-time hire, they can be your go-to expert for years. If you’re happy with the work:
- Leave a positive review
- Refer them to friends or neighbors
- Keep their contact info for future projects
Maintaining a strong relationship benefits both parties. You know who to trust, and they appreciate loyal customers.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a general contractor isn’t just about the paperwork or picking paint colors, it’s about setting yourself and your contractor up for success. With clear goals, good communication, and mutual respect, your renovation or build can be a seamless, rewarding experience.
Whether you’re taking on a small update or a major construction project, the right preparation makes all the difference. Do your homework, know your budget, and partner with a general contractor who values your home as much as you do.
