If you’re wanting a custom home built, you may have an image of what you want your new dream home to look like. You may have the tools to do the work, or know friends and family members who can do the job. But there are generally reasons why this can cost you more than you want to spend when it comes to various factors (time, money, insurance, materials, and more). Therefore, you may be better off going with a general contractor, and in this guide we’ll tell you why.
Saving You More
Numerous elements can cause your construction to be delayed, but when you hire a good general contractor, they know how to keep the downtime to a minimum, and they are the ones managing other contractors, builders, subcontractors, and more as well as the general construction schedule. Not only this, but they have enough funds so your project can continuously keep going as planned. If a subcontractor decides they’re not going to work in the middle of it, a good general contractor has the means and finances to hire another who’s just as good, if not better.
At the same time, a general contractor will save you as much money as possible, because until the project is done, they’re usually the ones buying the best materials for the lowest price, and they know how to get the lowest bids on subcontractors and other workers. They have the power to buy materials for your home in bulk from popular stores, and it helps save you money as well. The best contractors will also be able to deliver better quality for a lower price, making your home’s value just right for you.
Subcontractor Relationships
When a general contractor is involved, they’re the ones who have more solid relationships with suppliers, other contractors, and subcontractors. Generally, they have more connections than anyone who’s wanting the home built, and this can help you when it comes to making sure the production is consistent.
Fully Insured and Licensed
This is a big one, and you should always ask and see proof of this from any contractor you’re thinking about hiring. The contractor will have a license provided by your state board in order to do the type of work you’re wanting, but a general contractor will also be fully insured so that in case someone gets hurt (accidents can happen anywhere), then you’re not held liable. They’ll also be the ones to make sure that all of the subcontractors and other contractors are fully licensed and insured too. Not only this, they’ll have everything to know about all of the building codes and regulations in your area (some cities have their own codes along with state and federal codes).
Conclusion
When it comes to general contractors, you want to ask as many questions as possible. Be sure to see portfolios of their work, as many contractors will have galleries, both online and offline. While you don’t want a contractor that has no contracts scheduled, you want one that doesn’t have more on his plate than he can handle. If they do however, and they say they can’t get to it for a few months, don’t turn them down, because that means they’re considerate of your need as well as theirs.
