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.
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
Linda R.
Rich, Alec and his team were very responsive and communicative throughout the project. The finished on time and on budget and went the extra mile to make sure the house was well protected during the process. I would highly recomment their services. I chose them due to their high Google ratings.
Richlynn Construction and Remodeling
Rosemary S.
Offered good quality and comparable pricing.
Timberline Inspections
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.
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
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