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 Providence general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Providence area.
Broderick P.
They did an amazing job shoveling the snow. They did what i asked and even more.
Statewide Solution's Llc
Jessica B.
We used them to do major renovations on our large, old Victorian and incredibly glad we did. Our project was a 203k home purchase, which requires a lot of quote approvals from our bank. Our initial renovations included: FHA upgrades, lolly column replacement, new roof, paint of trim, foundation repairs and entire second floor (down to studs). Second floor needed new electrical, bathroom remodel and insulation (to name a few). As anyone who's done these massive projects on older homes knows, we encountered some unexpected problems. Any changes we made that impacted costs were explained, in writing, shown to and approved by us and bank before they moved forward. The project included much more than listed here, and all of it was beyond our expectations. We were so impressed with how the work was done, we kept them as "our repair guru".
We were incredibly lucky to have found Bill from Advanced Mod. I don't know any other contractors who would have been as flexible and professional as they were with us as well as our bank!
Advanced Modernization, LLC
Clinton D.
These guys were very professional - guided me through the color selection process, heard what I was looking for, and made great recommendations for structural improvements to the home exterior. I really appreciate their transparency, all the work and materials were well itemized so you really know what you're paying for. Our house is the best looking on the block thanks to them!
Diamond Cut Developments
Kenneth H.
Enjoyed my experience with Ernie. I found him quite competent in the things I asked him to do and felt that he was competent in other areas as well. I would hire him again.
Premier Home Restoration
Lisa M.
I have worked with Susan on several design projects over the last 10 years — decorating a large house, remodeling a kitchen, updating a bathroom, renovating a lower level playroom, and much more. Recently Susan helped me decorate a new home on a much smaller budget. Susan has been great on both the big and small projects. She works with talented contractors (upholsterers, curtain makers, painters, carpenters) and will supervise them to make sure everything is done just right. I highly recommend Susan for your next interior design project.
Susan Dearborn Interiors, Inc.
Dan G.
Any question I had it was answered, any issue I had was taken care of. Awesome to work with.
Network Home Improvement
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.
Nearby general contractors in and around Providence
