choosing a general contractor

19 years ago

My DH and I have interviewed three GC's. We've eliminated two of them from consideration. One because he failed to follow up on what he said he was going to do after the interview--go out and look at our lot. It's been three weeks and he hasn't managed to go out and look at it yet. The other we eliminated because we found out he only builds part-time and so it takes him forever to finish anything and he's so new he doesn't quite have reliable subs for everything. So that left one, whom we really like, and has been recommended to us by several people.

We've met with this guy three times now. The first interview at our home, then we met him out at our lot so he could look at it, then we met him a third time with the house designer at the lot, where they discussed whether or not we could have a basement.

So here's my question: Should we just go with this third guy? We've never asked him for a cost estimate. Not sure what our next step should be. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

pamcrews
19 years ago
The best thing you can do is educate yourselves! I found so much wonderful information right here on this site too! Write down questions to ask, be prepared. Ask for a cost estimate and request to see the breakdown. What type of cost allowances for everything from appliances to concrete to whatever is important to you. Be involved, ask questions of the GC. I don't think you can be over prepared. Just don't go with a GC as a matter of elimination. If your gut is telling you something isn't right take the time and check out some more GCers. Check with the Better Business Bureau and your Chamber of Commerce too! Research, research, research.

Good Luck,
Pam
nycefarm_gw
19 years ago
You cannot decide to go with the contractor if you don't know how much he charges and for exactly what.
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zone_8grandma
19 years ago
In addition to the above suggestions, ask for addresses where he is currently building. Go to every one. Try to see houses in different stages of construction. You'll get a sense of the quality of the subs he uses. Talk to the owners if that's at all possible. Ask them if they'd go with him again.
skagit_goat_man_
19 years ago
Are you saying you're considering this GC just because the other two were eliminated? If what everyone above suggest to do works out then you still are only considering him to give you a bid. It's not until that process is done that you'll have enough information to sign a contract. Aren't there other contractors in your area to consider? Tom
deanie1
Original Author
19 years ago
Yes, I guess I am considering this one builder because the other two were eliminated. It seems silly now. I think I am going to have to get some more names and continue interviewing. My DH is ready to go with the one remaining builder because he genuinely likes him. But I've been balking--after all, he hasn't told us how much he thinks it's going to cost us. We have called his references and he took us on a tour of one of his almost-completed homes. It was all extremely impressive. I have since heard he is probably one of three top builders in our small town.

I have heard the term "negotiated contract" on this forum. What is that? Is that when you find a builder you like and negotiate a maximum price (turnkey price) with him? Thanks, everyone --there is SO much to learn!