How to Find a Good General Contractor You Can Trust

Finding a good general contractor can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a homeowner ready to transform your kitchen or a business owner looking to renovate office space. Unfortunately, horror stories aren’t rare, such as having a seemingly trustworthy contractor disappear mid-project. With so many options out there, knowing what to look for when hiring a contractor is vital. This guide will walk you through how to find a good general contractor that’s trustworthy.

Why Hiring the Right General Contractor Matters

A competent contractor keeps your project on schedule and on budget. They’ll manage subcontractors, handle permits, and ensure quality from start to finish. A poor choice, however, might result in:

• Delays — Deadlines that stretch far beyond your initial estimate.

• Budget Overruns — Hidden fees, mismanaged funds, or constant “surprise” charges.

• Subpar Workmanship — Quick fixes or cheap materials that lead to higher repair costs later.

• Stress and Confusion — Frequent miscommunication, unclear expectations, and unsatisfactory progress reports.

Adopting a structured hiring process reduces these risks, offering you more confidence and control.

Steps to Find a Good General Contractor

1. Ask for Personal Recommendations

Begin with people in your inner circle, such as friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, who have tackled similar projects. Their experiences often hold more weight than online reviews because you can learn firsthand about the contractor’s punctuality, budget adherence, and ability to manage unexpected issues.

2. Consult Local Resources

If you lack personal referrals, look to building inspectors, hardware store managers, or lumberyard staff. They frequently interact with contractors and can point you to those with a professional track record. 

You can also visit online platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for local accredited businesses. Focus on professionals with a history of resolving client concerns quickly and effectively.

Here are some additional platforms you can use to find a good contractor.

• Angi (formerly Angie’s List): Verified reviews, detailed profiles, and easy quote requests for a range of local services.

• HomeAdvisor: Connects you with vetted contractors, complete with user reviews and project examples.

• Houzz: Great for design inspiration, contractor portfolios, and customer feedback.

• Thumbtack: Helps you get multiple quotes quickly for various home or business projects.

• Google and Yelp: Sometimes overlooked, but these can offer direct, unfiltered reviews on a contractor’s reliability.

Cross-referencing reviews across different sites can help you develop a balanced perspective on a contractor’s performance.

3. Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before you dive deeper, confirm that the contractor is licensed and insured in your region. Licensing requirements vary depending on local laws, so check what applies to your area. A valid license indicates they meet professional standards, and insurance safeguards you if accidents or property damage occur on-site.

Good general contractors are transparent about these credentials. If a contractor isn’t, consider it a warning sign.

4. Review Their Past Work

A contractor’s prior projects can reveal their skill level and style. Ask to see a portfolio (either physical or online) and, if possible, visit active or completed job sites. Note the quality of materials, attention to detail, and whether the results align with your design goals.

If in-person visits aren’t feasible, request before-and-after photos or written case studies explaining the project scope and how challenges were resolved.

5. Check References

Ask if they have references that you can contact. If so, contacting these references can help confirm their professionalism, communication style, and problem-solving ability. 

Key questions you could ask include:

• Did the project finish on time and within budget?

• How effectively did the contractor handle unexpected setbacks?

• Would you hire the contractor again?

Speaking with previous customers can give you insight that’s hard to glean from online reviews.

6. Get Multiple Quotes

After narrowing your list to a handful of strong candidates, request detailed estimates from each. Aim for at least three to compare pricing, timelines, and the scope of work. A thorough quote should include a breakdown of materials and labor, along with a proposed start and completion date.

And while a quote that’s much lower than the others is tempting, it could also signal corner-cutting or a likelihood of hidden fees, so be careful. Instead of fixating on the cheapest bid, focus on overall value and credibility.

7. Meet in Person Before Hiring

Once you’ve shortlisted potential general contractors, schedule an in-person meeting with each candidate. Seeing how they communicate and approach questions firsthand can reveal more than phone calls or emails. 

Ask about how they handle day-to-day site management, whether they have a designated point of contact for you, and if they’re comfortable discussing potential scope changes. While you’ll likely have already talked about timelines and budgets, this face-to-face discussion lets you get a feel for their demeanor and responsiveness—critical factors for a smooth working relationship.

If a contractor appears dismissive of your concerns or vague about who will be on-site each day, it may indicate problems down the road. On the other hand, a candidate who is engaged, transparent, and eager to explain the process is more likely to keep you informed and involved throughout your project.

8. Insist on a Detailed Contract

After making your choice, get everything in writing. A robust contract should clarify the following.

• Scope of Work: Materials, tasks, and responsibilities

• Timeline: Including milestones and final deadlines

• Payment Schedule: When and how payments are due

• Warranties: Any coverage on labor or materials

• Change Order Process: How additional work will be authorized and billed

Because contracts can be lengthy and packed with legal jargon, consider using Protractor—an AI-driven tool that simplifies complex agreements, highlights potential risks, and helps you move forward with clarity. Give Protractor a try today!

9. Monitor Progress

Your job doesn’t end once the contract is signed. Stay involved by scheduling site visits, reviewing progress updates, and addressing concerns as soon as they arise. Consistent engagement communicates that you care about quality and timely completion.

10. Watch Out for Red Flags

While most contractors aim to deliver excellent service, a few red flags suggest caution.

• Hesitancy to provide written contracts

• Demanding large upfront payments

• Vague or constantly shifting estimates

• Irregular communication or missed appointments

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, taking a step back before committing more time and money is better.

Now You Know How to Find a Good General Contractor

Finding a dependable general contractor can make all the difference—whether you’re remodeling areas in the home or upgrading a commercial property. You set the stage for a smoother, less stressful project by following the tips shared here. Feel free to bookmark this article so you can revisit it later.

Remember, you can use Protractor to review the construction agreement and ensure no hidden clauses, ambiguities, or issues exist. Get started with Protractor.