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 Hoffman Estates general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Hoffman Estates area.
Mike M.
Skilled and experienced pros were sent to my home and they completed the project to my satisfaction and in less time than I imagined it would take. I liked that Mike took time to thoroughly examine the installation that was done. He even did some load testing to ensure that there were no safety concerns. It was clear that he wanted the project to be done correctly, and it was.
Alpha Omega Home Remodeling
Tina J.
I was referred to Adam’s Roofing by A colleague. Adams roofing came out to my house and did a phenomenal job in a timely manner at reasonable pricing . This definitely will be my go to company for any work I need done.
Adams Roofing and Tuckpointer
Jade H.
I’m extremely particular about cleanliness and order, so choosing the right team for our bathroom remodel was important to me. Century City Baths delivered exactly the level of precision and neat workmanship I was hoping for. Kevin was professional, honest, and really listened when I explained how much I value a clean, organized space. Everything has its place, the surfaces wipe down effortlessly, and the room feels bright and fresh. It’s exactly the kind of clean, orderly environment I wanted for our home.
Century City Baths
Oleksii B.
This guy is a very skilled electrician and handyman. He completed a tough job for us quickly, professionally and with confidence. When an issue arose, he was innovative in finding a resolution. I look forward to working with him again.
Handyman
Ken K.
Responsive, courteous, on schedule and did a great job caulking all of my windows (and there are many) before the real cold set in. Pleasure to work with. Highly recommend.
Chrisanthou Painting
Emily D.
Dana was honestly a lifesaver. It was my first time working with a designer so I wasn't sure what to expect and on top of that, I was in St. Louis with family during the first phase of the project so I could only communicate with Dana over the phone and email. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Dana was highly professional and organized right from the start. She understood my vision for my new condo from the start and the finished project surpassed my expectations. Dana made the entire process stress-free. The design and layout of my condo function so well for my lifestyle and we were able to keep the cost down while still finding quality pieces.
db design+
Adam F.
Top notch service.... Came out... Addressed the situation... Very fair pricing.... Great work... Pleasure to do business with...
AIG ConstructionIn.Inc
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Nearby general contractors in and around Hoffman Estates