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 Austin general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Austin area.
Veronica H.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Texas Custom Home Design for architectural services, and I cannot express how pleased I am with the exceptional level of expertise and personalized attention they provided throughout the entire process.
From the initial consultation to the finalization of the design, Texas Custom Home Design demonstrated a deep understanding of my vision and requirements for my dream home. The team's ability to seamlessly blend creativity with practicality truly set them apart in the realm of architectural services.
The architects at Texas Custom Home Design exhibited a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering excellence. They took the time to listen attentively to my ideas, incorporating them into the design while also offering valuable insights and suggestions that enhanced the overall concept. The collaborative approach fostered a sense of trust and confidence in their capabilities.
One of the standout aspects of my experience was the transparent and efficient communication maintained by the team. They kept me informed at every stage of the design process, promptly addressing any concerns or queries I had. This level of responsiveness and dedication to client satisfaction is truly commendable.
Moreover, Texas Custom Home Design showcased a commitment to staying within budget and completing the project on schedule. This reliability and adherence to timelines made the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable. The final architectural plans exceeded my expectations, reflecting a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
I highly recommend Texas Custom Home Design to anyone seeking top-notch architectural services. Their professionalism, creativity, and client-centric approach make them a standout choice for individuals looking to turn their visions into reality. My gratitude goes out to the entire team for their outstanding work in bringing my dream home to life.
texas custom home design
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