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Hiring a General Contractor
A general contractor will coordinate the entire process of constructing your new home, ensuring your house is constructed well, on time and within budget.
You're not required to hire one, but when you consider all that a general contractor does, you'll probably agree it's money well spent to build your dream home the right way.
Your general contractor will:
- Obtain the proper building permits and arrange for the proper inspections to ensure that your house is built to code.
- Coordinate subcontractors and suppliers, scheduling them so that construction can occur as efficiently as possible.
- Supervise subcontractors, ensuring they complete all the work they are contracted to do, properly and on time. The contractor will also handle any disputes or conflicts that may arise on the site.
- Complete the necessary paperwork, track costs, inform you when draws will be required, gather warranty records and manage all the paperwork.
- Communicate progress, answer your questions and advise you of when you must make decisions on components such as lights, flooring and cabinetry. The contractor will also work with you to minimize costs where possible.
Check out your contractor's qualifications.
Above all, make sure the general contractor you hire is licensed. He or she should be experienced and understand the home construction process in detail. When interviewing contractors, ask for references, and to view homes they've built.
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