General contractors near you

When looking for a general contractor, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Ensure they hold a valid general contractor’s license for your state. You can usually look this up online through your state’s licensing board. Also, verify they have a surety bond, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation.  

• Get several estimates: Get at least three written estimates from different general contractors. A good estimate should include a detailed breakdown of labor costs, materials, permit fees, and an estimated timeline. Be cautious of vague or overly low estimates.

• Read their reviews: Read online reviews for each contractor you’re considering. Watch out for complaints about delays, surprise costs, or poor communication. You want a contractor who has a reputation for staying on schedule and within the budget.

• Look at their portfolios: Ask to see photos of projects similar to yours. Even better, ask to speak with previous clients about their home renovation or repair projects. A good contractor should be proud to show their past work.

• Find out if they have warranties: Many general contractors offer warranties on their work. This is usually separate from the manufacturers’ warranties on the products they install. Get all applicable warranty details in writing, and make sure you read the fine print. 

• Ask important questions: For example, how will they keep you updated during the project, what happens if you find water damage or other unexpected problems, and will your contractor handle securing the permits?

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

Finding the right general contractor starts with asking the right questions. It’s how you can determine if they’re qualified, reliable, and a good fit for your project.

Here are some questions you can consider asking: 

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• How long have you been in business?

• Do you have experience with projects like mine?

• Can I see examples of your previous work?

• Can you provide a list of references that I can contact?

• Will you provide a detailed written estimate?

• What is your payment schedule?

• Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?

• Who will be on-site managing the project daily?

• Will you use subcontractors for any part of this project?

• How will you handle permits and inspections?

• How often will you communicate about progress?

• What’s a realistic timeline for completing this project?

• Do you offer a warranty for your work? If so, what are the terms?

• How do you handle changes or unexpected issues?

• What are some examples of unexpected issues you’ve experienced with previous projects?

General contractors can provide various services. Sometimes, they can perform this tasks themselves (if they have the required license), or they will subcontract this work out to another licensed professional:

• Building repairs

• Home remodeling and renovations (including kitchen and bathroom remodeling)

• New construction

• Project management

• Subcontractor coordination

• Permit acquisition

• Framing

• Window and door installation

• Floor and tile installation  

• Interior and exterior painting

• Standard appliance installation

• Drywall and finishing work

• Ceiling and wall lighting solutions

• Siding installation and repair

• Roofing installation and repair

• Outdoor landscaping and hardscaping

• Construction cleanup

• Minor plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work (they usually hire a subcontractor for more advanced projects)

The national average cost to hire general contractors ranges from around $2,157 to $10,939*, according to Thumbtack data.

However, several factors may affect the final price, including:

• Project size and scope: The overall scale and complexity of your project can greatly influence the cost. For example, a kitchen remodel typically costs more than updating a bathroom — a whole-house renovation is even pricier.

• Quality of materials: The materials you choose can make a big difference in the final price. High-end options like marble countertops and hardwood flooring typically cost a lot more than budget-friendly alternatives like ceramic or porcelain tiles.  

• Local labor rate: The rate contractors charge can vary considerably based on where you live. If you’re in an area with a high cost of living, you’ll probably pay a higher rate for labor.  

• Project timeline: If you need the job done quickly, you might pay more. Contractors might have to pay overtime, speed up material deliveries, or even reschedule other jobs to fit yours in.  

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:

• Consider less expensive materials: Look for alternatives that give you a similar look without the high price tag. Your contractor can suggest options that fit your budget.  

• Obtain permits yourself: General contractors usually handle permits, but doing it yourself might save some money. Just keep in mind that it might take time and could be a bit of a hassle.

• Minimize changes: Making changes once work has started can add up fast. Try to plan everything out ahead of time so you’re not paying extra later.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

General contractors may offer free estimates for potential projects. However, some may charge an on-site estimate fee. Always ask upfront whether the estimate is free or if there’s a cost involved.

When reviewing an estimate, make sure it includes:

• Clear description of the work they’ll do

• List of costs for labor and materials

• Project start and end dates

• When you need to make payments

• Who will get the permits and what they cost

• Workmanship and materials warranty information

• How they’ll handle changes to the plan

• Contractor info, including proof of license and insurance

• Additional services and details that are not included in the price

“Contractor” often refers to either a general contractor or a specialty contractor. You’d typically hire a general contractor to oversee large, complex projects like remodels or new construction. They manage everything from project planning and materials to permits and subcontractor management.  

If you need specific tasks done, you might hire specialty contractors like:

• Electricians: Install or repair wiring, outlets, and lighting

• Plumbers: Handle plumbing installations and repairs.

• Roofers: Install, repair, or replace roofing materials.

• HVAC technicians: Service heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

• Painters: Apply interior or exterior paint.

• Flooring installers: Lay down hardwood, tile, carpet, or laminate.

• Masons: Work with brick, stone, or concrete for walls and pathways.

• Landscapers: Design and maintain outdoor spaces.

• Concrete specialists: Pour and finish concrete for driveways, walkways, or patios.

• Foundation contractors: Build, repair, and stabilize foundations.

Whether you hire a general contractor or specialty contractor, be sure to verify their credentials. In most cases, your pro should be licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. 

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.  

On average, a general contractor will charge around $50 per hour for their services. However, the range of their fees varies between $30 and $85 per hour, depending on your geographical location and the type of project they’re undertaking. 

You can get a better idea of how much it will cost to hire a general contractor by requesting free estimates from contractors near you.

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.

For contractors, general liability insurance is an important part of protecting businesses and contractors. This type of insurance will vary in its details and scope, but it can generally be expected to cover damage to the property and injuries. Here’s how you can verify a pro’s insurance.