Clear expectations lead to a successful remodel, especially when you find a great general contractor to bring your vision to life.
Choose a Great General Contractor for a Successful Remodel
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when trying to find a great General Contractor (GC) is knowing how to evaluate them. Many homeowners expect instant bids and quick answers, but the truth is that a quality contractor takes time to evaluate a project properly. The best contractors don’t just execute your remodel; they help define your project scope, align expectations, and guide you through the process. If you approach the search with the right mindset, providing clear details, and expect a thoughtful response. You’ll set yourself up by choosing a great General Contractor and achieve your dream home.
Start by Defining Your Project Clearly
Before reaching out to contractors, ask yourself:
- Do I have a clear vision of what I want?
- Have I set a realistic budget?
- Do I have architectural plans or sketches to communicate my project scope?
Many homeowners expect quick pricing, but without a well-defined project scope, a contractor can only provide rough estimates. The more detail you provide, the more accurate their bid will be.
How to Provide a GC with the Information They Need: We can help you find a great general contractor!
If possible, have architectural plans drawn up before seeking bids. You can work with one of our Master Build Advisor consultants to help you with this. The more details that are available in terms of finish levels and materials, the more accurate your pricing will be. If you haven’t selected cost-dependent items yet, like cabinetry, tile, or countertops, a GC can allocate a standard budget for these items based on your direction, but you’ll want to commit to staying within the allocated budget.
If you need help developing plans, scope, and budget, Master Build Advisor offers consulting services to assist homeowners before they even approach contractors. Most GCs are happy to work with homeowners to develop their scope and budget, but this is billable work and should be compensated. You can also work with an architect or designer to assist you in fleshing out your plan.
Tip: Did you know that with a detailed architectural plan set, Master Build Advisor can provide detailed material take-offs and manhours estimates or even a rough estimate to compare with bids you receive from GCs?
Look For a Contractor Who Communicates Well & Realistically
Homeowners often believe that a good contractor will provide fast, clear answers. While responsiveness matters, the best GCs won’t rush an answer without proper project details.
What Strong Communication Looks Like:
- They ask the right questions. If a contractor is pushing for more details before bidding, it’s a good sign; they are working to ensure accuracy and that they can provide you with what you want.
- They explain their process. A great GC will set clear expectations on how bids are prepared, how scheduling works, and what challenges may arise.
- They don’t just tell you what you want to hear. If a GC is overly optimistic about pricing or timelines without seeing detailed plans, be cautious.
- They will explain their bid and its variables. Great General Contractors will share the costs associated with their bids with you to allow for necessary adjustments to fit your budget and design.
- A great GC will listen to your concerns and respond with potential solutions that fit your budget and goals.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Fast, vague pricing. If they throw out a number without seeing plans or discussing scope, they may be lowballing to win the job or not accounting for all aspects of a job. In the end, it will end up costing you more.
- Avoiding details. If they dodge specifics about how they manage subcontractors, budget, or schedules, it could lead to surprises.
- Lack of a formal contract. You want a contract that clearly spells out their responsibilities and your responsibilities to avoid issues down the road.
📌Tip: If a GC takes days to provide a bid, that’s normal. A detailed bid means they are carefully reviewing materials, labor costs, and scope, not just making up a number.
What Goes Into a Bid?
A General Contractor can assist in developing a rough budget with high and low price points, but when a client wants a detailed bid, the GC will take these additional steps:
- Reach out to their trusted subcontractor team to obtain firm pricing for each trade
- Share plans with subcontractors and conduct job walks to ensure they fully understand the project.
- Evaluate multiple bids for specific trades if something seems too high or too low or lacks details.
- Break down the bid for transparency so homeowners understand where the costs come from.
- Identify opportunities to save money or time if they can be aligned with your goals for the project.
📌Tip: A great GC will share subcontractor bids with you and may suggest obtaining multiple bids for key trades. This process takes time, so expect to pay for a thorough bid.
Expect the Unexpected: Budget for Contingencies
Unexpected costs can arise once demolition and building begin. Homeowners should build a contingency into their budget to cover these unforeseen issues.
Common Examples of Unexpected Costs:
- Finding rot or other issues in or behind walls. Nobody could have known it was there, but it will require a change order to cover the additional work.
- Discovering outdated plumbing or electrical systems. A contractor may suggest a re-pipe or electrical panel upgrade now rather than risking a failure or permit issue in your newly remodeled space.
Tip: Keep at least 15-20% of your budget reserved for these types of discoveries. It’s better to be prepared than to scramble for additional funds mid-project.
5. Choose a GC Who Is Transparent About Pricing The biggest frustration in remodels? Unexpected costs.
Find a great General Contractor who is Transparent about Pricing
The biggest frustration in remodels is unexpected costs. A good GC will be honest and upfront about pricing and will help you manage expectations and budgets from the start.
What Transparent Pricing Looks Like from a Great General Contractor:
- Detailed bids: Instead of a vague lump sum, they provide a breakdown of costs (materials, labor, & fees).
- Explaining Variables: They help you understand how choices (e.g., material selections, design selections) impact costs.
- Change Order Clarity: They outline how changes will be handled and what extra costs could arise.
- Fair Payment Schedule: They never ask for large deposits before work begins and have explained how invoicing will work for the project. Expect to pay for work after it’s happened or after materials have arrived on-site.
Note: In California, no contractor is allowed to ask you for more than $1,000 or 10% of the total job cost, whichever is LESS. If a contractor asks for more, RUN! See the Industry Bulletin here.
Final Thoughts: Find a great General Contractor Who Aligns with Your Goal
A great general contractor is not just the one with the lowest price or fastest timeline—it’s the one who:
- Helps you define your project clearly
- Communicates openly and honestly
- Provides realistic and transparent pricing and timelines
- Lays out paymetns and expectations in advance
The best remodels happen when both the homeowner and contractor start on the same page. A good GC won’t just build your project, they’ll help guide you through the process with clear expectations and honest communication.
Need Help Planning Your Remodel?
At Master Build Advisor, we offer:
✴️Consulting services to help homeowners develop plans, scope, and budgets.
✴️Connections to trusted, transparent general contractors who work with open books and realistic expectations.
Call MasterBuildAdvisor for expert guidance on planning your remodel and how to find a great General Contractor. 949-312-8855
