General Contractors
Top 5 general contractors near you. Find the best match for your project.
General Contractors Comparison
Top providers ranked by reputation, value, and service quality
Excellent
234 reviews
- Clean job sites & Reliable timelines
- Clear pricing. No surprises
- Quality that adds home value
- Premium materials. Proven systems
Best for: Premium renovations and custom projects
Excellent
234 reviews
Very Good
287 reviews
- Whole home remodels
- Kitchen & bath
- Room additions
- Structural work
- Permit management
Best for: Full-service residential remodeling projects
Very Good
287 reviews
Very Good
198 reviews
- Renovations
- Remodels
- Basement finishing
- Deck construction
- Home repairs
Best for: Quality residential renovations with excellent communication
Very Good
198 reviews
Very Good
234 reviews
- Design-build
- Custom homes
- Major remodels
- Net-zero homes
- Passive house
Best for: Design-build projects with sustainability focus
Very Good
234 reviews
Good
453 reviews
- Design-build remodeling
- Kitchen remodels
- Bathroom remodels
- Additions
- Whole home
Best for: Comprehensive design-build remodeling with full support
Good
453 reviews
What does a general contractor do?
General contractors manage construction projects from start to finish, coordinating trades, materials, and timelines. They are the central point of accountability for quality, budget, and schedule.
A great GC turns plans into a buildable, code compliant project and keeps the site moving efficiently.
Hiring a general contractor is one of the most consequential decisions in any building project. The right GC brings order to complexity, communicates proactively, and delivers a finished project that matches the plans, the budget, and your expectations.
Scope of responsibility
Contractors hire and manage subcontractors, order materials, and sequence work so each trade can perform on time. They also handle permits, inspections, and site safety.
Their oversight prevents conflicts between trades and ensures the project meets specifications.
A general contractor's job is project management as much as construction. They are responsible for the critical path — the sequence of tasks that determines the overall timeline — and must constantly adjust as conditions change.
Budgeting and change management
A solid bid includes allowances, contingency planning, and clear scope definitions. The GC tracks costs and issues change orders when scope shifts.
Clear documentation protects both owner and contractor and prevents surprises late in the project.
Expect to set aside a contingency of 10–20% of the project budget for unknowns — especially in remodels where hidden conditions (old wiring, water damage, structural deficiencies) are common.
Types of contracts
Fixed-price contracts set a total cost upfront, giving you budget certainty. Cost-plus contracts charge actual costs plus a markup or fee, offering more flexibility but less predictability.
Time-and-materials contracts are common for smaller or undefined scopes. Each structure has pros and cons — the best choice depends on how well-defined your project scope is.
What to expect during construction
Expect weekly progress updates, site walkthroughs, and a schedule that evolves as work progresses. A reliable GC will flag risks early and propose solutions.
Quality checks at key milestones reduce rework and ensure a consistent finish.
Disruption is inevitable during construction. The best contractors communicate schedules clearly, minimize unnecessary mess, and show respect for your home and daily routine.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of contractors who ask for large deposits upfront (more than 10–15%), have no physical business address, resist putting details in writing, or pressure you to start immediately without a signed contract.
A reputable GC will have verifiable references, proper insurance, and a clear process they can walk you through before any money changes hands.
Hiring a GC
Verify licensing and insurance, review recent projects, and ask how they handle communication and subcontractor selection.
Look for professionalism, clear timelines, and a process that feels organized and transparent.
Get at least three bids, but do not automatically choose the cheapest. Compare scope, timeline, materials, and the contractor's communication quality. The lowest bid sometimes reflects cut corners or inexperience.
What do general contractors charge?
Typical costs and pricing to expect
General contractors typically charge 10% to 20% of total project cost as their fee, which covers project management, overhead, and profit. On a $100,000 remodel, that is $10,000 to $20,000 on top of labor and materials.
Some GCs use a cost-plus model where you pay actual material and labor costs plus a percentage (usually 15–20%) or a flat management fee. Fixed-price bids include the contractor's margin in the total number.
For smaller projects (under $25,000), you may encounter flat fees or time-and-materials pricing. Always clarify what is included in the number you are comparing — especially permits, dumpsters, cleanup, and warranty.
General contractor hiring checklist
Key items to review before making your decision
- Verify active state contractor's license
- Confirm general liability and workers' compensation insurance
- Get at least three detailed, written bids
- Ask for and contact references from recent similar projects
- Review a sample contract and payment schedule
- Discuss how change orders are priced and approved
- Confirm the project timeline and key milestones
- Ask who will be the on-site supervisor and your primary contact
Fine Element Construction
Premium renovations and custom projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about general contractors
You can act as your own GC, but it requires significant time, knowledge, and coordination skill. You will need to pull permits, schedule inspections, sequence trades, manage material deliveries, and handle any issues that arise. For complex projects, a GC's experience typically saves enough in efficiency and error avoidance to justify their fee.
Industry best practice is a deposit of 10% or less to secure the start date, followed by progress-based payments tied to completed milestones. Never pay the full amount before work is complete. A standard payment schedule might be 10% at signing, then payments at framing, rough-in, drywall, and final completion.
A change order is a formal document that modifies the original contract scope, timeline, or cost. Changes happen on almost every project — when you decide to upgrade a material, when hidden conditions are discovered, or when you refine the design. Good contractors document changes clearly and get your written approval before proceeding.
Start with a direct conversation referencing your contract and the specific issue. If that does not resolve it, consider mediation. Most well-written contracts include a dispute resolution clause. Document everything in writing — including emails, photos, and payment records. Your state's contractor licensing board can also help with complaints about licensed contractors.
Most reputable contractors offer a 1-year workmanship warranty. Some provide longer coverage for specific systems. Material warranties are typically passed through from manufacturers and can range from 5 years to lifetime depending on the product. Get all warranty terms in writing before the project starts.
How We Rank General Contractors
Customer Reviews
We analyze thousands of verified customer reviews to assess satisfaction and service quality.
Credentials & Experience
We verify licensing, insurance, years in business, and industry certifications.
Value & Pricing
We evaluate pricing transparency and overall value for the services provided.
The Bottom Line
A skilled general contractor is the difference between a construction project that stays on track and one that spirals into delays and cost overruns. Invest time in finding the right partner, set clear expectations in writing, and maintain open communication throughout the project.