Tips on Hiring a General Contractor


Choosing a general contractor is not the most important decision you will ever make in your life, but it is a major decision you want to get right. You do not want to have to fire someone who is dishonest, incompetent or unprofessional. When looking at Orange County general contractors, make sure your selection has this criteria.

Fully Licensed

There are some contractors that lost their licenses that still build and some that never got a license to be a contractor. You can usually tell who they are because they are less expensive than one who advertises they are fully licensed. Even though you may save a few bucks going with someone who is not licensed, there are an array of potential consequences you do not want to endure.

For instance, knowingly employing someone who is not licensed can result in fines. It could also result in the work that is done not meeting code. Further, unlicensed contractors might not have the same degree of commitment to your job that a licensed contractor does because their license is not in any type of jeopardy.

Fully Insured

Like the license, full insurance for you, the work and liability for any damage they cause to others or other property is an absolute must. You cannot let someone who is not fully insured work on your property. If they do something that leads to a lawsuit, you could end up eating whatever penalties or damages they cause and you may not even get the work you want done completed or completed the way you expect.

Experienced

Giving a new contractor a chance is great if you are building a shed. It is not worth the risk if they are building your kitchen or bath. Make sure that the contractor you work with has a lot of general experience and specific experience working on your type of project.

Going with experience accomplishes many things in association with your job, including:

  • They will know inspectors and County / City Agents
  • They will know how to get building materials that are affordable
  • They will be able to handle most problems because they have seen them before
  • They have a reputation to uphold, which means they will give it their all

Reputable

Experience is important, but so is their reputation. An experienced contractor that is dishonest is no better than an incompetent contractor. Ask for references, see who your design team recommends and investigate whomever you might work with at local business associations.

Most of the Orange County general contractors you review will have all the above. Making sure they do, though, ensures you will get the product you expect at the quality you deserve.

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