A Designers Guide to Finding & Interviewing the Perfect General Contractor

Remodeling your home can be an exciting journey, and finding the right general contractor is crucial to a smooth and successful project. After working on many home projects and collaborating with many GCs, I’ve seen it all. I can tell you from experience that finding the right construction team to literally bring your plans to life is well worth the time.

I've put together some helpful tips to guide you through the process of finding and interviewing the perfect contractor for your needs. 

Where to Begin Your Search

You may be tempted to jump on your computer and search for “contractors near me,” which could serve as a good way to create a workable list. However, I recommend expanding your search, too. Here are a few additional ways to get more personalized direction on a GC that’s right for you.

Start with your network: Do you have friends, family, or neighbors who have recently completed a home project? If so, reach out to them for referrals. Their personal recommendations are a valuable starting point.

Seek industry insights: Visit a trade showroom and ask their staff for recommendations. They're often well-connected within the industry.

Leverage your designer's expertise: We have a wealth of experience and connections! We can help you find qualified contractors who align with your project and vision. Which brings me to…

Why Hire a Designer First?

You’ve heard me say it before… a designer should be your very first hire. It’s one of the best things you can do to ensure a successful renovation, and I promise you’ll thank yourself in the long run. When you hire your designer before your contractor, you’ll be able to take advantage of several perks: 

Matching the right people: A designer will ask the right questions to understand your needs and connect you with the most suitable contractor for your project.

Accurate estimates: With an interior designer's well-defined plan (including drawings and chosen finishes), contractors can provide you with more accurate estimates, minimizing surprises down the road.

Creative solutions: Designers can think outside the box and propose solutions that might not occur to a contractor, ensuring a truly personalized outcome. Your GC’s skillset is in the building phase of your project, rather than the creating phase. They’re simply not trained and experienced in designing homes for functionality, so we shouldn’t rely on them to make those critical decisions.

Essential Questions to Ask Contractors

If you’re handling the hiring on your own, there are some essential questions to help assess whether a contractor is a good fit for your needs. (Pssst… print this part out and have it on hand for your interview!)

Timeline: The burning topic everyone wants an answer to. 

• Will they be available at the time you plan to begin your project? 

• Based on your project’s scope, can they estimate a timeline for completion? Tip: Be prepared for longer timelines than you might anticipate, especially if you’ve never renovated before.

Process specifics: It’s important to ask detailed questions about their work process, for example…

• Have they worked on projects similar to yours before? 

• Will you need to temporarily move out of your home? 

• What are their preferred communication methods (Builder Trend, email, phone, etc.)? 

• What will their team’s daily work routine look like?

Pricing structure: You’ll want to be clear about the way they charge for their work.

• Do they charge by the hour or use a flat-fee structure? 

• Do you charge an initial design fee? Many contractors charge for the time and expertise they invest at the beginning to understand your project.

Clarify their invoicing method: Gain understanding of when payments are expected. Remember, designers typically don't provide construction pricing, but we can guide you on general investment expectations.

• Do they work on allowances, or will you be invoiced for specific itemized costs?

• What does their payment schedule look like?

Vendor collaboration: While you have control of who is working on your home, many homeowners choose to let their GC subcontract work (plumbing, electrical, etc.) to their preferred partners.

• Do they work with specific vendors or subcontractors or are they open to collaborating with your preferred choices?

The Right Contractor for Your Project

While every home project will have its share of bumps along the way, partnering with the right contractor can minimize mishaps and ensure a smooth path to completion. The good news? Finding your perfect match is entirely doable. From asking the right people for recommendations to knowing the practical questions to ask during interviews, you’ve got this.

And if you’d like some support from a pro, I’d love to join your team! Reach out here, and let’s chat about your project and find the perfect GC for you.