If you’re considering a home improvement project, you’ll first want to understand the pros and cons of hiring a general contractor before you make a final decision. This is an option usually considered in place of hiring several subcontractors. So, is a general contractor best for your project?

Contents

Contracting Advantages of Hiring a General Contractor

Homeowners are often reluctant to hire a general contractor for their projects because they might not understand all that it takes to properly execute a job well-done. There are a few things that you should take into consideration before you make up your mind, but there are more pros than cons overall.

If you don’t have the time to hire several professionals in one go, consider hiring one general contractor. A general contractor is versatile and flexible, having the knowledge and experience to work on many different kinds of projects instead of specializing in only one area. Plus, they most likely work as a team to handle different areas of your home. As long as you do your research, know what you are getting, and understand who is doing the actual work, this is a good choice.

A general contractor may also be able to help you save on some costs. They are capable of handling any project that you yourself may not know how to complete on your own. Develop a relationship with a contractor and you’ll find that you can get additional work done at a reasonable price while staying within your budget.

Related Content: Checklist: 3 Questions to Ask Potential Home Remodeling Contractors Before You Hire

Possible Disadvantages

Despite the advantages, you should be highly specific with your project’s scope of work to make sure it’s successfully completed. Along with the total cost, it’s important to verify if there are any additional fees that you’d be responsible for if something went wrong with the project. Find out if there are any extra fees that the contractor will charge if you need to extend the project, or change details.

If you’re relying on one general contractor, make sure that they’re licensed and certified. Your contractor might hire a few people to get things done in a timely manner, but unskilled workers could cause delays and problems with the project.

Another thing to consider is how reliable the contractor is. Your contractor should not be taking on any jobs that are too big or too difficult to complete. Remember that you should always do your research to find the best person for the job, especially if you require an important project be taken care of in a particular manner.

Related Content: Should I Choose a Contractor with an In-House Crew or One That Hires Out to Subcontractors?

Conclusion

The pros and cons of hiring a general contractor can vary from project to project. But if you take the time to find the best contractor for the job, it will save you more time and more importantly, money.

As for home improvement contractors in the Bay Area, at Gordon Reese Design Build we pride ourselves on striving to be one of the best. Our award-winning service promises quality work and guaranteed expertise. Call us today for insight on your next home improvement project!