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 Charlotte general contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Charlotte area.
Linda Y.
He did an excellent job. Hard working, polite and professional. I’ll be hiring him again for some other jobs. Very reasonable prices!
Bug Man Home Improvements
Vince J.
Mr. Francis is one of the most dependable contractors around the Charlotte Metro and surrounding areas, with a level of excellence that exceeds industry standards.
I am the owner of an architectural design/drafting house, and I have worked with Mr. Francis on numerous occasions over the last 6 years. Mr. Francis is a reputable builder and we have built a great working relationship with Odyssey solely based on his integrity, and his passion for construction.
Mr. Francis has always respected the design process and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that clients we have worked together with are completely satisfied with the job from start to finish.
His clientele that we have encountered have always been proud of the service that he brings to their projects and have been more than happy to employ his services in the future. Whenever Mr. Francis calls, I make sure that I or someone on my design team makes themselves available to him. He has been a valuable resource to refer to in the design process. He has also made himself available to me and my team, even if it is not a project he is directly associated with.
Mr. Francis is the professional you want to hire to get the job done!
Odyssey Custom Homes & Renovations
Pete C.
Mr. Walters was honest and forthright, fair in his pricing. He installed about 160 feet of wooden privacy fence in my backyard and was diligent about overcoming obstacles like trees and tree stumps that might have impeded the project. He knows his tools and knows his product and is skilled at what he does.
Walters Renovations LLC
Britt N.
Justin and Sarah took the time to ensure everything was done right - will be using them for future projects.
Just In Time Solutions LLC
Mark M.
Nice, friendly, clean cut young man! He has 8-9 men that do everything of the home and the inside of the house! I told them what I wanted them to do! They did exactly that to the letter! I am very pleased with the retaining wall!
88 contractors LLC
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Nearby general contractors in and around Charlotte