Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much do local general contractors charge?
General contractors charge10% to 20% of the total construction cost, known as "cost-plus." Some building contractors charge a flat fee based on the project but rarely charge an hourly rate. Home improvement contractors pay on your behalf for all materials, subcontractors, services, and permits.
What does a residential general contractor do?
Licensed general contractors manage and coordinate the entire building process. A general contractor estimates the job, provides the materials and tools, and hires specialized subcontractors for the construction work. Remodeling contractors can perform electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, or build a house
Why use a general building contractor?
A general contractor saves you time, resolves any problems, and ensures the construction follows code requirements. General contractors have a network of experienced, licensed, and insured subcontractors to properly build any project. Home contractors also source all the materials, tools, and permits and pay for them on your behalf.
Common projects to hire a licensed general contractor are home, bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodeling.
Get at least three estimates from building contractors to compare.
Ask for references and to see a portfolio of their past work.
Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Call references, read their reviews, and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
What questions to ask a general contractor before hiring?
Ask these questions upfront before hiring:
How long have you been a general contractor?
How many similar projects have you built?
Can you provide me with a list of references?
Can I see your portfolio?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Have there been any lawsuits against your company?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
Who's the project manager?
What qualities do you look for in subcontractors?
What hours do you and your crew work?
How long will the project take?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
What is the structure of the payment agreements?
Do you offer in-house financing?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Do general contractors need insurance?
A general contractor assumes responsibility for the project and should be licensed and insured. Ask for a potential contractor's license number and proof of insurance before hiring. Ask your local building department for licensing requirements, then verify the licensing on the state's licensing board website.
Reviews for San Jose general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the San Jose area.
Guy S.
Lecut Construction recently completed a kitchen remodel for us, and we are beyond thrilled with the results. From the initial design phase to the finishing touches, the team at Lecut Construction demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Throughout the project, the communication was excellent - they kept us informed of progress, timelines, and any potential issues that arose. The craftsmanship displayed by their team was truly impressive, and it's clear that they take great pride in delivering high-quality work.
Not only did they transform our kitchen into a beautiful and functional space, but they also provided valuable suggestions and ideas that enhanced the overall design. The project was completed on time and within budget, which was greatly appreciated.
We highly recommend Lecut Construction to anyone considering a kitchen remodel. Their expertise, reliability, and dedication to customer satisfaction make them stand out in the construction industry. Thank you to the entire team at Lecut Construction for making our dream kitchen a reality!
LeCut Construction
Yaniv K.
Highly recommend these guys after doing a great job from start to finish !
I recently bought a house for investment and needed remodeling for the kitchen and 2 bathrooms , and a friend recommended Oria Builders and sent me to speak with Gilad the owner.
we clicked from the first call , Gilad was super friendly , professional and understood exactly what I was looking for without me having to explain too much and got me a price offer and work plan within a couple of days and by the next week the crew was already working on my property.
Gabriel the project manager was always polite and respectful, kept everything clean and did a raeally good job on keeping us updated at every point of the job .
they completed the job within the agreed upon time frame with no lagging , left everything clean and looking brand new , and I will absolutely use their services again in the future .
thanks again guys for doing a wonderful job!
Oria Builders
How HomeGuide works
Search
Search, get cost estimates, contact pros, and book—all for free.
Compare
View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.
Hire
Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right pro when you're ready.