Top 10 General Contractors in Grifton, NC
Frequently asked questions about general contractors
It may seem more economical to hire several subcontractors rather than one general contractor for your building project. Some state licensing rules even require hiring a general contractor for certain projects. Even if this isn’t a state requirement in your case, it often makes sense for homeowners to hire a professional, licensed, and insured general contractor for certain projects. A general contractor will know the ins and outs of the business, and will work with subcontractors whom they trust to get the work done efficiently, safely, and on time.
General contractors know that their business can be made or broken on their reputation. They will work hard to get your project done on time, orchestrating the work of subcontractors so that
the whole project turns out just as planned. While it may be tempting to skip hiring a
general contractor in favor of hiring many subcontractors for lesser initial cost, you may end up spending more in the long run in addition to the time and headache involved in coordinating the work of subcontractors. Hiring a general contractor you can work closely with throughout a project can help you avoid potentially costly—and maybe even dangerous—miscommunication down the road.
First off, sort out every possible detail in advance using a detailed project plan—including details like specifications for fixtures, finishes, and fittings—to avoid cost gaps in the contractor’s initial bid. The more specific you are, the more realistic and accurate the bid will be. Stay in close contact with the project lead, and try to meet with them every day to stay on top of progress, troubleshoot any issues, and avoid costly miscommunication. If possible, try to be on-site at the start of each day. Make sure it’s OK to call or text your contractor throughout the day. It also makes sense to keep a project journal to write down product order numbers, jot down questions and ideas, and note delivery dates. This type of journal can make it easier to sort out any disputes that may arise later in the project. Similarly, be sure to track any changes to the initial project plan in writing (this is usually called a “change order”). If unforeseen changes are required, make sure your contractor offers a bid for the change in writing. (You can specify that changes be made in writing in your original contract.) Other tips:
- check work as it progresses
- pay only for completed work
- be a fair customer by paying bills on time, responding quickly to questions, and treating your contractor and their workers fairly
- know the workers’ names, and make sure they have what they need
Establishing a good working relationship with your contractor from the get-go will lead to a more successful completed project in the end.
Some general contractors charge a flat fee, but most general contractors get paid a percentage
of the overall cost of a completed project which is called a “markup.” This amount covers their overhead, which includes advertising, insurance, office expenses, and their own salary. Remember that contractors will ask for a percentage of the total cost of the project up front in order to get started. But make sure this is no more than 15 percent, which is a fair and decent amount to start most home projects. Most states cap this up-front percentage at 33 percent, and a good contractor should have enough credit to cover other up-front costs.
A big remodeling project can be a costly investment. It’s a long-term investment in your home, so it makes sense to look beyond just the contractor’s fee when choosing a general contractor for your remodel. You’ll want to hire someone can provide proof of licensing, insurance, references, and a worthy track record. When you enter a project with a contractor, you need a pro you trust with your home, so it’s wise to do your homework upfront for a successful outcome.
Start with a detailed and specific plan including the scope of the remodeling work you want to have done, what materials you want to use, and specifications for any fixtures, finishes, and appliances. Once you have this plan, start talking to contractors to get estimates and formal bids. Ask around for local contractor recommendations at your local hardware store, or go online and read contractors’ reviews (but take these with a grain of salt because they tend to skew toward people who are unhappy with a project versus those who were satisfied with the end result).
Be sure to interview at least three contractors while bearing in mind that you will be relying on this person to bring your project in on budget and on time. A good contractor will likely be very busy, so expect a waiting period for quality workmanship. Choose a contractor with experience in the type of job you require. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance along with any relevant licenses for subcontractors. Check contractor credentials with your local Better Business Bureau. Be clear about what work will be done by the contractor, and which parts will go to a subcontractor. Only sign a detailed contract, and be sure to get the proper permits for your project. Stay in close contact with the contractor to avoid errors and miscommunication. After all, a successful remodeling project depends on hiring a good contractor.
Take proper steps before hiring a contractor to prevent costly headaches later on. Start by
working with a professional architect or designer who can not only provide permit drawings, but also provide all the information a contractor will need to offer an accurate and realistic cost and time estimate. You’ll need to include details like finishes, fixtures, plumbing work, electrical installations, and possible millwork. Come up with a specifications list in advance in order to pick finishes, appliances, fittings, and fixtures that will fall inside your budget and meet your personal requirements. If you work with a professional architect or designer and have a complete set of plans and specifications for your project, as the pro for the names of a few builders to send your plans for pricing.
Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. Check out a potential contractor’s previous work. They should be able to offer examples. When you interview contractors remember that you will be spending quite a bit of time working with this person. You need to feel you can trust them because unexpected extras are bound to come up. Make sure your contractor provides a timeline that they can stick to, and that works with your needs. Choose your contractor wisely for a successful outcome.
Be sure your general contractor is licensed and insured. It may be less expensive to hire an uninsured contractor, but consider the potential cost down the road. When you hire an insured contractor, they take on responsibility for the build and anything that happens at the worksite. In the event of a job-site injury or property damage during your remodeling project, a properly insured contractor will shield you from potentially catastrophic costs. Homeowners’ insurance policies cover property damage, but these policies have limitations. Be sure to hire a contractor that carries both contractor’s liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. A good general contractor takes responsibility for their reputation. Offering proof of both proper licensing and insurance is a sign of a contractor’s general reliability. Contractors must have a license in order to obtain insurance. Reliable contractors are likely to do an excellent job the first time in order to retain their license. Work that is not up to contract standards may lose a contractor their license. Be sure to ask for proof for insurance. Hiring a contractor with the proper insurance saves you money down the line in lots of different ways. Never be tempted by what looks like a bargain.
Recent reviews for Grifton General Contractors
John was great provided all needed information he was thorough and detail .
inspector was able to answer all questions
Great inspection sale may fall through...
They were right on time, courteous, and thorough. Highly recommend them to others.
John did a very well job with my inspection.
They were impressed by the inspectors knowledge and expertise. The inspector answered all questions.
it went well, he did a really good job and he was very thorough <br>
John did a great job at finding problems.
Inspection, John, did an awesome job and may have saved him a lot of money because of the thorough job that he did for him.<br>
inspection went good and he was able to answer all questions.
Customer is satisfied with inspector.<br>
Inspection went really well. John was awesome. He was very friendly and thorough!
John was really good at the inspection<br>
the inspection was fine was great and wonderfull
HIPittAS did a pretty Good job on inspection
JC did amazing and answered all questions promptly.
Bryan and hiprofessionals came highly recommended and they didnt disappoint. Bryan was very professional and detailed
john was great helped me out whit everything overall it was a great expereince and i hope in the futute to work whit him
John was great. We have alsways and will continue to use him for home inspections.
The inspector was amazing and very professional. I was very satisfied with him.
The inspection went great, Bryan was able to anwer any and every question that I had concerning the condition of the home. I was very pleased.
<p>John was very good. <br>He made the inspection quick and easy </p>
"I am very happy with the quality of his work."<br>
John did a really great job. He was super friendly and worked really hard to find everything he could with the house.
Jason was wonderful! The report was detailed and as a trained eye to spot things easily overlooked. I would highly recommend to others.
Bryan did great. He was very interavtive with the homeowner!
Chris did an awesome job inspecting my new home. He was very thorough and informative.
The inspection went well. The inspector answered all questions.
"Very detailed and very informative on what they found during the inspection."<br>
Inspection went great, Kelle was very thorough.
John, was great! Extremely detailed and very kind and helpful, she answered all of our questions and made sure we understood what was going on.
Andrew was awesome he answer all of my concerns
The inspector Jason insightful. The information was so helpfule help me decide not to purchase. I really appreciate his honesty and for taking his job seriously.
The inspection was great , he was very knowledgeable and thourough with his inspection and gave me great detail.<br>
John was quick and efficient and took picutres to help us make an informed decision.
This inspection was very good! <br>Thankfull for them showing me things I didnt know!<br> It was a great inspection. <br>
HIWayneJW did a good job share really good information.
It was really good he was thorough he answered all my questions.
Really glad to have worked with him.
inspection went good and he was able to answer all questions.
Jason was great, he was very professional and helpful.
Chris was perfect, he provided a detailed report and I very satisfied with his inspection.
Bryan did a wonderful job on our home inspection.
Bryan was great very detailed and friendly.
went good provided report back on time got all info on porch emails
Jason, was straightforward and to the point! I couldn't be happier with his inspection, he's great!
HIP was great, very detailed and thorough in the inspection.
My inspector John did a great job, his report was very thorough and detailed, he even showed me a few things here and there on the new house that I didn't even notice myself. Overall, I was extremely pleased with his work!
John did a good job made sure to look over the house thoroughly and provide an accurate report.
JC did a great job, was very thorough and explained everything to HO.
Jason really did a good job I think he knows alot of stuff and it seems he has done many inspections so I love the fact he was really educated.
The inspection was good (No inspector name)
The inspector was extremely detailed and helpful during this process.
Brunswick did a great job, provided thorough and detailed information, he is a great guy.
Ben did a wonderful job, I was very pleased.
Our inspector John has been absolutely fantastic. he was hands down the best inspector we've ever had. he was really thorough which showed with the report, was really professional during the whole process and was really really helpful with the tips he...
A very thorough inspection on a home we are purchasing. Excellent recommendations as well.
John provided great detail and happy with the inspection!
Inspection was wonderful , he was very thorough, also very knowledgable.
HO is requesting information on attic and photos Inspector did a good job
inspection went very good and he was able to answer all questions.
The inspection was fine tanks , no inspector name
I was not there for the inspection, but the report was very thorough and had pictures which made it very easy to understand.
The inspection went well and he was very thorough, great services
Kelle did a great job on our home inspection.
John was a great inspector, made us feel at home in our new home!
Chris was very good in the inspection, he was very thorough and explained everything very detailed
Home Inspection Professionals-HIP was Awesome! very kind and professional they helped me in any way that they could off while being here on my inspection,Thank you PORCH for your services.
Jason went fine, he did an awesome job.
john was very professional and provided detial information for ho
John was a great inspector. He was so thorough and professional.
"They did an awesome and thorough job on our home inspection."
The inspection went well and he was very thorough, great service
JC did excellent job.
Jason was great he explained everything to us we were very pleased
Ben did an amazing job.
Great inspection found things that needed to be found, guided me to proper places to fix things!
Inspection was good. John was thorough. Found issues that made us decide to back out of the purchase. Appreciate his services. Would use again.
HIWayne was great very thorough. He answered all of our questions.
The inspection was great , he was very knowledgeable and thourough with his inspection and gave me great detail.<br>
Christian did a great job with the inspection answered all of the homeowners questions and gave a excellent report.
he did a great job. he went over everything and gave them pictures.
The inspection was great , he was very knowledgeable and thourough with his inspection and gave me great detail.<br>
Inspection went great. He answered all questions.
John <b>was very professional and thorough throughout the whole inspection.</b>
Very thorough inspection! Thank you!
JC was wonderful and very informative!
HIWayneJW did a good job he provided all the information I needed
bryan did great. He found a few minor repairs, and suggested how to go about getting them fixed.
John was very thorough and I'm very pleased with the resoults.
The inspection went really good. John was super detailed in his report.
Inspector did a great job and I will be using him again in the future!
The inspection went well. The inspector answered all questions.
Chris did a very thorough job and was amazing
John and Andrew did a great job they did answer all my questions
Chris, was professional, the report was detailed, I would highly recommend him to others.
Chris was great I will be using him again in the future.
Friendly <br>highly intelegent <br><br>
The inspection went very well.
Bryan was good, very thorough.
John was very prompt and accurate with the inspection.
Inspection was great and very detailed.
John was very good, very thourough and helpful 5/5
chris did a awesome work would recommend him and pointed out each detail in mine
The inspection with John was great and he was so patient.
Chris did a really good job, he was on time, and very thorough.
John did an excellent job and was thorough!
John was wonderful, walked me through the whole inspection, was very thorough, detail-oriented and easy to work with.
Your inspector was very thorough, knowledgeable and helpful.
Had a really good time while working with him better than my other past inspections
I would definitely recommend Chris from H.I.P. services. He was super comprehensive and professional. His report was clear and organized too.
Husband was at the inspection, but he said there were no issues and Bryan did a good job
John has a great personality. He was friendly and kind. Most of all very informative.
John was very professional, very thorough, also did review a couple of things there before placing it on the report<br>
The inspection went well. Bryan did a great job!
John did an excellent job and was thorough!
Detailed and thorough. Answered all of our questions.
More General Contractors
Residential Building
Within 48 hours