Choosing the right General Contractor is the most important decision you will make as you proceed with any construction project. General Contractors are responsible for organizing and overseeing the entire construction process, facilitating communication between all interested parties, and managing the finances, trades and schedule for the project. Here are 4 key features to look for when evaluating a General Contractor (GC) for your construction project:
Licensed & Insured
Always be sure to verify a General Contractor’s license and insurance when doing your research. A licensed GC has been certified by the state in which they are located to legally operate as a General Contractor. One way to verify a General Contractor’s license is to look up their state issued CGC# (Certified General Contractor #). Only a licensed GC can manage the permit process from initial submission to certificate of occupancy. Another component of a quality contractor is carrying the correct insurance. This should include General, Automotive, Excess/Umbrella, Worker’s Compensation, and Employer’s Liabilities.
Financial Stability / Construction Bonding
A bonded General Contractor can provide the client performance or payment bonds upon request. This guarantees that the GC is financially qualified to accept the contract and has a solid performance history. Be sure to inquire about the bonding capacity of any General Contractor you are thinking of hiring.
Safety Training
A General Contractor should have their employees up to date on all OSHA training and certifications, hold their subcontractors to strict safety standards, and be equipped with first-aid medical supplies on every jobsite. The importance of safety in construction should always be the top priority for every GC.
Experience
An experienced construction team should anticipate potential issues and respond quickly to the unpredictable, as well as provide cost-saving solutions to any possible problems. An experienced General Contractor should provide you with references who can testify to how well the GC communicates, how well they deal with the unexpected, and the quality of the final product. Before building even starts, choosing a knowledgeable GC ensures your project stays within budget and is completed on time.
Choosing the right General Contractor can appear to be daunting. Keeping these key features in mind will help narrow your search and eliminate some of the stress involved. To learn more about our story, and how G3 Construction became the Leader in South Florida Commercial Interior Contracting, please visit our website at www.G3construction.net and follow us on social media for project and company updates.
