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 Thornton general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Thornton area.
Leslie F.
I would definitely recommend 👍 super fast work he gets the job done also super high quality work 😁 he’s also a very nice guy takes the time to listen too what I need and does it to the T 💚
Grateful contractors
Debbie S.
He was on time, nice, thorough and adjusted to my schedule. Thanks Al
AF Concrete LLC
Anthea A.
We recently had the pleasure of working with Sheppard Family Construction, LLC on the design and construction of our new deck, and we couldn't be happier with the results. From the outset, [GC's Name] impressed us with his creative design solutions that transformed our limited outdoor space into a stunning urban oasis. He brought a level of expertise and attention to detail that was evident in every aspect of the project.
One of the standout qualities of Sheppard Family Construction, LLC is his ability to listen to our needs and then elevate our ideas with innovative concepts that we hadn't even considered. He skillfully blended functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that our deck was not only beautiful but also practical for everyday use.
Throughout the project, Wade was communicative, professional, and always on top of the timeline. He worked diligently to stay within budget without compromising on quality, and his craftsmanship truly speaks for itself. The final result is a deck that exceeds our expectations and has become our favorite part of the home.
If you're looking for a general contractor who combines creativity with quality workmanship, Sheppard Family Construction, LLC is the one to call. We highly recommend him for any design and build projects, and we're incredibly grateful for the beautiful space he created for us.
Sheppard Family Construction, LLC
Abraham B.
Paul is extremely professional, personable honest and knowledgeable about his product.
He has all of the patience in the world and will work with you to make sure that you have the outcome that you desire.
He handles the inevitable hiccups that come up in a project smoothly, and stands behind his word and his product even when it meant him having to make an outlay from his company.
I would strongly recommend using Paul and Rocky Mountain Hardwood for any project that you have in mind.
Rocky MT Construction LLC
Assiya
I was struggle with my garden on trimming,clean up and hauling some branches from a old tree,I contact D&S Landscaping Services and they took care of the garden as they though it will look better,I'm happy with the result !?highly recommend them
D&S Landscaping services
Danielle B.
His vision for my yard turned out better then I could had thought up myself. This team does an amazing job! I recommend him to anyone looking to revamp their landscaping! I will continue to hire him for any projects I need for my yard.
S.A Masonry and Landscaping LLC.
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