For any construction project, choosing the right general contractor can mean the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful, substandard outcome. Choosing the right general contractor ensures that your construction project is executed with the utmost professionalism, from the first plans to the final bricklaying. Below is a detailed roadmap to help you make this important decision.
Check all resources first
Before we go into the details, it is important to make a comprehensive list of potential GCs. There are many reliable resources available to provide you with information and contact details for GCs.
Associations such as Associated Builders and Contractors and Associated General Contractors of America provide a wealth of resources, and industry forums such as the Construction Users Roundtable and Building Owners and Managers Association International also offer a wealth of insight.
The goal here is not just to find a GC, but to create a solid list of potential partners that you can vet further to find the best fit for your project.
Notable Value
license
Licensing is the most important consideration when vetting a potential GC. The GC you are considering should be fully licensed in the state and city where your project is located. Ignoring this point can have disastrous consequences. An unlicensed GC poses significant risks, from compliance with regulations to financial liability when selling your property.
Many licenses are specific to a particular field or specialty, so pay attention to the details when requesting proof of licensing.
Referrals and Recommendations
Word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations are powerful tools when evaluating a potential GC, as first-hand experience can provide valuable insight into what to expect in terms of quality of work, reliability, and professionalism.
Past and current work
A potential GC’s past and current work provides a snapshot of their capabilities. Scrutinize their portfolio and evaluate whether their expertise matches your project requirements. This can be further broken down into quality of work, diversity of portfolio, past client satisfaction, and adherence to budget and schedule.
Quality of work
Attention to detail is a major factor when assessing the quality of their work. Evaluate their accuracy and adherence to the design and plans. Did they maintain the aesthetics without compromising structural integrity?
Portfolio Diversity
A versatile GC will have experience with many different types of projects, from commercial to industrial and even specialized facilities like healthcare and education. When evaluating the scope of work, you should also look at experience in terms of size. You should find a GC who has a track record of working on projects similar in size and complexity to the one you're working on, as this indicates a higher level of competency and resources.
Customer Satisfaction
From positive reviews from previous clients to repeat business and ongoing projects with a single developer, this is often one of the strongest indicators to look at when evaluating a GC.
Schedule and Budget
Adhering to established schedules and budgets is essential in any development, and you need a GC with a proven track record of completing the work within the budget and meeting the deadlines given at the start of the project.
price
Competitive pricing is important, but basing your decision solely on cost can be counterproductive — after all, quality work often costs more.
Working Relationship
Business relationships depend on communication, trust, and professional compatibility. When meeting with a potential GC, evaluate their ease of communication and their willingness to understand your vision. From architects to engineers, many different people are involved in a construction project, so the GC you choose needs to be able to coordinate with everyone efficiently and harmoniously.
Keep project details in mind
Each construction project has its own unique needs, scale, and challenges. Discuss the details of your project with your potential GC to see if they can accommodate your project's specific requirements, including a realistic and achievable timeline that fits your schedule.
Choosing the right GC is not a decision to be taken lightly; it requires careful research, thorough screening, and thoughtful consideration.
bRENT ATKISSON > Director of Construction
Brent Atkison has extensive experience in development, renovation, property management, IT infrastructure, facilities management and maintenance. He has managed 75 new build and restaurant remodel projects and over 130 restaurant renovation projects. Since joining SimonCRE, he has overseen over 120 custom residential projects including The Steelyard in Chandler, AZ, Simon Medical Center in Laveen, AZ, the Village at Prasada in Surprise, AZ and Jackrabbit Ranch Marketplace in Buckie, AZ.