Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

What is a general contractor?

When starting a home remodel or new construction project, you will probably hire a general contractor. A general contractor is a professional who is qualified to take a set of building plans and construct them as outlined. The general contractor may help perform the day-to-day building, or they may just hire workers and oversee all the work activities. In either case, the job of the general contractor is to see that your project gets built.

When you have a building project, ask for bids from various contractors. The bids tell you how much each will charge and what their scope of work will be. Once you have selected a bid, you sign a contract with that general contractor outlining the specifics of the project and the milestones during the project when they will receive payment installments. Once the contract is official, the general contractor will bring in their crew to begin construction. The contractor will manage the workers and subcontractors (anyone who doesn’t work directly for their company but that they need to outsource, like a marble installation pro), order all the materials, obtain work permits, and confirm that all the workers and subcontractors are completing their projects as planned. They typically handle all the payments to the workers and subcontractors, and send you invoice. For all these reasons, it’s also especially important to follow a few smart hiring practices when it comes to finding a general contractor. If you are organized and competent to oversee construction projects, and are able to make sure everything is being built properly and meeting code, it’s possible you can be your own general contractor.

Why should you hire a contractor?

Hiring a general contractor is a good idea for many remodeling projects. Home renovation contractors have a broad range of skills to manage, coordinate and complete a project. They should help make sure your project comes in on time and within your budget as they hire and supervise all the necessary subcontractors, including electricians and plumbers. They also handle procuring all the materials required for your job. Some homeowners look to save money by acting as their own contractor, but an experienced home renovation contractor is worth the cost. They should know local building codes, be able to pull all necessary permits, and work with inspectors to make sure the construction meets local codes. Also, because they get professional discounts, they can typically buy materials at a better price than you can; better prices on materials and labor save you money, and make up for at least a percentage of the cost of the contractor.

How do you choose a commercial general contractor?

A commercial contractor provides similar services as a residential general contractor but specializes in working with large-scale projects for businesses, schools, nonprofits, governments and development firms. When researching commercial general contractors, review their portfolio of work and confirm they have ample experience working in the area you need. For example, if you are building a small strip mall, ask if the contractors have experience successfully incorporating all the needed elements such as a parking lot, meeting ADA requirements, accessing the proper permits, and completing work on time.

Once you’ve identified several qualified candidates, request bids for your project and then compare the scope of work with your needs and budget. Your commercial general contractor should oversee design, permitting, construction, materials purchase, and adherence to building code and zoning regulations, as well as sticking to an agreed-upon budget and schedule. It’s important to establish clear communication with your future commercial general contractor, as this will mean a smoother process for everyone. For all these reasons, it’s also especially important to follow a few smart hiring practices when it comes to finding a general contractor.

Do I need a contractor for a kitchen remodel?

A kitchen remodel is one of the most important investments you can make in your home, and it’s critical to get the details right; that’s where a home renovation contractor comes in. A minor remodel usually includes new cabinet faces and hardware, replacement appliances, and paint, while an extensive job may enlarge the kitchen’s square footage, install new cabinets or an island, change the layout, and lay new tile or hardwood floors. Any renovation that includes filing permits, construction, or electrical or plumbing work is best completed by an experienced contractor who knows local codes.

How much will it cost to remodel my house?

The cost to remodel a home is highly variable — size and scope of the project, quality of materials, and the number of subcontractors required to complete the job all affect the total cost. The average national cost of a home renovation project is $13,500. The national average per-square-foot cost of a remodel ranges from $25 to $100. Nationally, kitchen and bathroom remodels are the most popular types of projects, in part because they typically have the highest return on investment when the home is sold. The national average cost of a major kitchen remodel ranges from $25,000 to $62,000, while the average bathroom remodel tends to cost $6,000 to $18,000. In addition to materials and labor costs, many remodeling project costs include permit fees, which, average $900 or more, depending on your location.

Emma H.

Verified review

Daniel is my go to! I can't say enough positive things about him and his work. Daniel has come out to my house for emergency plumbing, dish washer installation and bathroom remodeling. I have been nothing short of thrilled with his work. He is a GREAT communicator. He treats your money like his own. He is honest but respectful. He cleans up after himself. I call him for everything I need. I would highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!

Landy R.

Antonio and sons built a deck that my changed 3 times but they rolled with the changes smoothly. great work ethics and value. Sergio is a professional builder with a superb sense of what you need and want. Terrific experience

Paul C.

I was at my son's house in Greensboro. His front steps and walk way had crumbled. Not knowing any contractors to do this job we got on Thumbtack. Dan made the extra effort to meet with us on the weekend while I was still there. He let us know it would be a few weeks before he could get to the job. However he gave us options to save money and have the steps match the brick of the house (which is very old). We were very happy with that option and his quote was reasonable. He contacted us every week to let us know he had not forgotten us and then gave us an exact date he would be there. My son and his wife are very pleased with these new steps and sidewalk. Dan did a great job and I would highly recommend him.

Devin H.

Matthew with Forestieri Custom Exteriors has been the absolute best contractor that I've ever partnered with. I've benefited from his remodeling and renovation work on two separate projects. I've learned that one of the most important parts of renovating (Rule No 1) is allowing your contractor to take ownership of the project. Matthew can do that with pride. For everything that I asked him to handle, he did better than I could have hoped. When I forget Rule No. 1 and stick my nose into the details, Matthew doesn't flinch. He listens patiently and provides helpful input. On of our many projects together I asked for one impractical detail. Matthew explained the nuances, and left me to choose whether I'd like to move forward. That's the key: he helps his clients understand the project, but he never imposes his own preferences. For everything that I decided, he followed through with my plans and made them come to life. Matthew has also completed two home additions for me at separate locations. Both restored life to the properties, making the homes livable for a modern lifestyle. I can't endorse Matthew with enough enthusiasm. Great contractor, great man!

Lily W.

Mr. Todd had completed many projects for me over the years. I always contact him when needing a project or just repairs done. He built a fabulous fire pit in my back yard that I use all the time. Put on a new roof a few years back, and still no leaks or issues. Performed minor plumbing jobs, again no issues as yet. Drywall, painting, siding, the list goes on. Very knowledgeable and professional young man. He was almost always on time when expected, although there were some times when materials might not have arrived on time, etc., or that weather could delay work, both understandable. There was also a situation where I needed to call him back to fix something minor and he did it happily and in a timely manner.

Thumbtack Customer

Great tile work, okay plumbing work. Didn't clamp pipe to stud, so shower arm wobbles now. Installed pex for the tub spout, should have been copper. Water wouldn't turn hot, so I had to take apart mixing valve to adjust. Overall, for tile work, I definitely would hire again.

Jessica R.

KC's did my entire kitchen and bathroom. Keith and his staff made the process as painless as possible. I really appreciate the professionalism and hard work. The workmanship was great, budget was cost effective and the work was done In a timely fashion. I love my new kitchen and am considering a deck over winter so it can be ready for Spring and Summer. Definitely will call KC's to do the work...I highly recommend them.

Dennis M.

We needed a floor replaced in a second bedroom. We went thru 8 different contractors, 6 wouldn't even look at the job because it was too small. Two didn't have time. We found Jonathan on Thumbtack and he responded immediately and completed the job within a week. He and his team did an excellent job. He actually found another issue and fixed it. He was very reasonable. They cleaned up after themselves to the point you wouldn't know they were there. We were very satisfied and plan on using Jonathan and his team again.

Ellen L.

Heath Atnip, from Grayla Home Services, got in touch with me immediately after I posted with Thumbtack. He set a meeting at my convenience to give me an estimate on the job. The floor was rotting in the bathroom near the tub and around the toilet. He replaced the sub-floor; waited for a plumber to repair the leak, put us in a new toilet and installed a cost- effective flooring. He and his employee were quick, efficient and didn't charge us an arm and a leg! Thank you, Heath!

Ava V.

I️ recently had new flooring put in and am thrilled with the outcome !! Honest , punctual extremely hardworking has stayed focused on project and completed in a timely manor . He has gone out of his way to ensure that he is providing thorough quality work His Eagerness to make sure you are satisfied shows that he cares about his customers and takes pride in his work I️ will be using him for my future renovations and probably in the years beyond that . Thank you for everything

Karan W.

James worked so hard and was very reasonable.He immediately came to my old farm house,removed all the renovation debris and even went upstairs to carry down a heavy sink which has been in the hallway for months....thanks James..I will hire you again

HanMi F.

This was an absolutely wonderful experience. There was miscommunication on what fencing repair I actually needed... blaming it on my lack of knowledge but they were so helpful... made a second trip to my house with more materials even insisted on not adjusting my quote even though the job took longer than originally planned and an unplanned second trip. I can't say thank you enough and we will definitely be using them for future needs.

Ingrid S.

I would truly recommend Amerimex to all of my friends and family!! They are very professional, friendly, punctual, and assist you in your needs in every single way, financial, vision and time wise :) They stand very proud in their work and in what they do, and will go that extra mile, if not more for their customers. Next time when you need painting or any kind of renovations done, please hire Amerimex, and Carla, Rudy and Ben will assist you in every single way :)

B. R.

Russ called within 15 minutes of my post. I had waited the previous day for a contractor that did not show much less call. Russ' s carpenter came the next day on a Sunday morning and completed the job in a professional, timely manner.

Sarah C.

I had a laundry list of things that needed to get done after nearly 5 years of traffic at my brick and mortar business that had gotten out of control. The list was long and full of projects ranging from full reupholstering of 15 cafe chairs to locating and filling any holes/cracks to keep the old 1940's building a bit more energy efficient. ELM Design was AMAZING!! I would have had to hire 5 different specialty professionals with all of the work that needed to be done, but Erin and Brian were able to take care of everything. Interior design/window display, interior/exterior paint and ceiling repair to my original tin ceiling, energy proofing from the inside and outside (which will actually save us money,) refinishing of tables and chairs, reframing of cafe bar and windows/entryways and the list goes on and on because there is always more that needs to be done. The biggest thing for me is trust, I felt comfortable not needing to oversee every little detail which was such an incredible relief. What a pleasure to walk back in to my business and see a quality of work that nobody else had been able to offer, oh, and, not a single item was out of place and the place was so immaculately clean that you would never know that construction had gone on at all. We're talking completely stress-free (for once) with these guys. I plan to continuously utilize ELM Design for any projects or emergencies and upkeep as every task, large and small, was completed so beautifully.

Renee B.

We were seeking someone to install critter guards within our vents because of birds nesting within them leaving behind birdmites. We received an immediate response and his arrival time was as he told us it would be. He reviewed the job and was very professional. Eventhough we did not utilize their services, I wouldn't second guess calling on their services in the future.

Richard P.

The absolute best experience with a home renovation I've ever had! And I'm very picky. We contacted Zachary Harris with BenJamin Home Solutions through Thumbtack & the entire experience was great. Zach made the hour drive from Winston Salem & we quickly agreed on his estimate as well as start time. Zach spray-painted our spruce tongue-&-groove ceilings in the living room, dining room & kitchen... we've essentially transformed the look of the home interior from backwoods country to contemporary cottage with a perfect coat of white paint. Hiring a new contractor is typically a cause of anxiousness; Zach's upfront prep & precision work resulted in the complete transformation of our home with absolutely no mess, no drips, no drops. We're totally delighted & the experience was actually enjoyable. We'd highly recommend Zach & will be using him again on future improvements. From Richard & Stephanie in Stuart, VA

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