How to select your General Contractor?
1. Have a plan in place.
It’s a common misconception that walking a contractor through your home and explaining your wants and needs with gestures is where the process should start. In reality, this is one of the worst ways to begin. While you don’t need a full set of engineered drawings, it’s important to have a conceptual design. A clear plan helps narrow down your options and communicates your vision effectively. In Step 2 of our Visual process, we take your vision and turn it into detailed, tangible designs that focus on Function, Flow, and Form, while also ensuring that the design fits within your budget.
2. Understand the Different Types of Residential GCs.
When selecting a general contractor for your home construction project, it is essential to understand the different types of contractors available. Each type has its own strengths, limitations, price point, and levels of professionalism. Below is an overview of the various categories of general contractors:
DIY (Property Owners, Investors, Home Flippers): Homeowners and investors who want to save money often take on the responsibility of project and construction management. They hire workers from a vast labor pool that may include individuals working for cash or below-market rates. However, many of these workers lack proper licensing, bonding, insurance, or legal status, which presents a risk. While this approach can result in cost savings, it can also lead to subpar construction quality, especially when driven by those with limited building expierience and/or profit-focused investors and flippers.
The Hustlers:These contractors primarily work small to mid-size jobs but may jump at the opportunity for a bigger job. Some prefer cash payment and/or may not have proper license and bonding. Typically operating as small, 1-3 person companies, they spend little to no time in an office. Some use modern apps for project tracking, while others rely on traditional paper-based methods. The quality of their work varies from both low to high, pricing and processes are inconsistent. While this type of builder generally can be the most cost efficitive it is never the most time effective.
Old-Timer – Self-Performer: Experienced contractors who have built entire homes themselves and are skilled in multiple trades. Operating as 1-3 person businesses, they self-perform most of the tradework but may subcontract specific trades like roofing due to manufacturer warranty requirements. These contractors take on one major project at a time, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, and typically do not engage in advertising or have a website..
Old-Timer – Project Manager: Similar to the self-performer, but instead of executing most construction tasks, they manage a team of trusted subcontractors. They can handle two large projects simultaneously and, like the self-performers, operate primarily through word-of-mouth referrals without significant advertising or an online presence.
Mid-Size Contractors: These companies have 3-8 crews and maintain an office with support staff, including a business development team. They are more organized and utilize processes and software tools for efficiency. With a broader network of subcontractors, they typically adhere to schedules better, though hiring them may come at a premium and often require to do everything “my way”.
Design-Build Contractors: These firms integrate both design and construction services, providing a seamless experience from project conception to completion. Their approach emphasizes efficiency, communication, and cost-effectiveness, making them a preferred choice for homeowners seeking a streamlined process. However there is an inherit conflict of interest in being both the designer and the builder in various ways.
High-End Builders: This is the botique world of contractors specialize in high-budget projects, rarely taking on jobs valued at less than $750,000. Their process is highly structured, involving a dedicated team. Clients work with this team throughout the project, ensuring high standards and attention to detail or met.
Production Builders & Large Developers: These contractors develop large-scale housing projects.. While they follow trends to attract buyers, the focus is on maximizing the number of homes built. As a result, design quality and durability may be compromised, often leading to generic, mass-produced homes.
3. When to MAKE A DECISION
Good contractors are booked months—sometimes years—in advance. Waiting until your design is finalized to find one can delay your project. That’s why selecting a contractor early—once the conceptual design and project scope are defined—helps secure a spot on their schedule and integrate them into your team.
With a builder involved early, the detailed design, engineering, permitting, and fixture/finish selections can be refined for a more accurate bid. Their input ensures the design aligns with your vision, budget, and construction feasibility.
Take the time to research and choose a contractor who fits your needs. A strong team from the start leads to a smoother, more successful project.
4. Prepare for contractor inteviews
Construction Timeline: What are the your time constraints. When would you like to start when do you need to be done by. How flexible are you. The greater the flexibilty you have the better.
Research & Due Diligence: Understand how to evaluate contractors by reviewing their credentials, past projects, and client reviews.
Staying in the home or moving out. what’s possible? Moving out can be a pain in the ass to find a place to live and in addition provide additional costs. Staying in means living in a construction zone and could have impacts to sequence of construction. Decide your preferances and be prepared to discuss.
Questions: Develop a detailed list of questions for your contractor. Our recommended questions are listed below.
Know your Budget. Have an idea on what the range of your buget is. Don’t hesitant to share that with those that you are interviewing.
Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
Before the Site Meeting (Email Questions)
Send these questions in advance to ensure a productive on-site discussion.
Tell me about yourself and your company.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references and examples of past projects similar in scope?
How do you manage project timelines and handle unforeseen delays?
What work do you self-perform versus subcontract?
What warranties do you offer on your work?
Are you open to me purchasing and supplying finish materials and fixtures?
How are your contracts structured? (Cost-plus, Fixed Fee, T&M, etc.)
What are your billing procedures?
How often will I receive updates, from whom, and in what format? (Meetings, emails, site visits)
During the Site Meeting
Start with small talk—this is a long-term relationship, so build rapport.
Discuss any follow-up questions based on their email responses.
Pay attention: A good builder will balance asking questions, sharing ideas, and identifying challenges—look for all three.
If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification—don’t pretend you do. Keep asking until you have full understanding.
5. Interview and Choose
Schedule a time to meet on-site to discuss their process and get to know them—you’ll be investing a lot of money and want to build trust and rapport. Allow them time to explore the property independently with their team.
Create a pros and cons list for each contractor you’re considering. Conduct second interviews, speak with past clients, and visit completed projects. Consult your design team for insight.
Once you've chosen a contractor, expect to pay a deposit to secure your spot on their schedule. Taking the time to find the right fit ensures a smoother process and a successful project.
6. Don’t Worry
Every builder operates differently, and it’s normal to feel confused about why one does things one way while another takes a different approach. You may not fully understand the building process—and that’s okay!
Our team is here to guide and consult you every step of the way. If you're unsure why builders approach things differently, we’ll help you make sense of it so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
