Expert Q&A for How to Hire a Contractor

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How do I protect myself when hiring a contractor?

GreatBuildz
Contractor Matching Service
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. GreatBuildz was founded by a team of real estate and construction experts who believe everyone deserves to find a great contractor, have a stress-free renovation, and enjoy their beautiful new space. GreatBuildz connects homeowners with reputable contractors who passed their rigorous screening process and signed their code of conduct. GreatBuildz also individually selects contractors for the specific project and provides ongoing support to ensure everything goes smoothly.

GreatBuildz

Contractor Matching Service

Expert Answer

At the bare minimum, ensure the contractor is licensed and has adequate liability and worker's compensation insurance.

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Question

What does it cost to hire a general contractor?

GreatBuildz
Contractor Matching Service
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. GreatBuildz was founded by a team of real estate and construction experts who believe everyone deserves to find a great contractor, have a stress-free renovation, and enjoy their beautiful new space. GreatBuildz connects homeowners with reputable contractors who passed their rigorous screening process and signed their code of conduct. GreatBuildz also individually selects contractors for the specific project and provides ongoing support to ensure everything goes smoothly.

GreatBuildz

Contractor Matching Service

Expert Answer

That will all depend on the job you need to be done and the location. Most contractors will charge more for complex jobs and jobs that require travel.

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Question

How can I save on construction costs?

Ken Koster, MS
Master's Degree, Computer Science, Stanford University
Ken Koster is the Co-founder and CTO of Ceevra, a medical technology company. He has over 15 years of experience programming and leading software teams at Silicon Valley companies. Ken holds a BS and MS in Computer Science from Stanford University.

Ken Koster, MS

Master's Degree, Computer Science, Stanford University

Expert Answer

Decide if there's anything you can do yourself. We needed a contractor for just about everything. We didn't have any experience doing plumbing, electrical, framing, or drywall. The things we were comfortable doing were things like the painting, and we actually were able to save a little by doing that ourselves.

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Question

What do you do before working with a contractor?

GreatBuildz
Contractor Matching Service
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. GreatBuildz was founded by a team of real estate and construction experts who believe everyone deserves to find a great contractor, have a stress-free renovation, and enjoy their beautiful new space. GreatBuildz connects homeowners with reputable contractors who passed their rigorous screening process and signed their code of conduct. GreatBuildz also individually selects contractors for the specific project and provides ongoing support to ensure everything goes smoothly.

GreatBuildz

Contractor Matching Service

Expert Answer

Focus on communication! Communication is key when working with a contractor so you're on the same page.

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Question

Is the lowest bid always the best?

GreatBuildz
Contractor Matching Service
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. GreatBuildz was founded by a team of real estate and construction experts who believe everyone deserves to find a great contractor, have a stress-free renovation, and enjoy their beautiful new space. GreatBuildz connects homeowners with reputable contractors who passed their rigorous screening process and signed their code of conduct. GreatBuildz also individually selects contractors for the specific project and provides ongoing support to ensure everything goes smoothly.

GreatBuildz

Contractor Matching Service

Expert Answer

No! Always analyze the bids to make sure it's a good bid. Sometimes lower bids are paired with shoddy work or cutting corners. Evaluate each company and their bid thoroughly.

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