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 Parker general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Parker area.
T.
He’s so good we’ve chosen him twice, and if we could we’d take him to Arizona with us too!” That’s the enthusiastic rundown Beth Taylor gives when describing the overwhelmingly positive experiences and exceptional ten-year relationship she and husband Larry have with custom home builder and owner of Alwyn Homes, Craig Austin. “Our experience building our home with Craig exceeded our every expectation. We’d built five homes previously and none with the success or ease of working with Craig”, says Larry. “Craig was so dedicated to the home being exactly right and exactly how we wanted it that no element was overlooked. When we came upon the rare glitch he fixed it immediately, most times before we ever pointed it out.
Craig initially built the Taylor’s custom home and 8 years later, built their smaller patio home as they began sharing time between Colorado and Arizona. “He built both of our homes in Castle Pines Village like he was going to live here with his family. That’s how much he cares.” The Taylors initially found a heavily wooded, sloping homesite close to the golf course that no other builder had been able to work with. Austin however, came up with a solution that not only made the site buildable, but ideal for their custom home. “It speaks to his creative, uncommonly smart approach,” says Larry. “Craig sees solutions where others only see obstacles.
In addition to his building proficiency and craftsman tradition, The Taylors agree Austin’s character is equally compelling. Words like integrity, honesty, and reliability fill their descriptions. “We were never excluded from the process, instead, we were invited to get involved, encouraged to know his contractors and suppliers, to be part of the program,” adds Beth. “By designing and building in his custom features (like secret passageways) from the beginning, Craig has created an uncommon value for us in both of our new homes.
Alwyn Homes, Inc.
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