Interviewing a General Contractor

[Shaun Fogleman]

So I'm finishing up building my fix n' flip team and the last on my list is a general contractor. What things should I ask during the first meeting to properly vet a GC? Thanks!

[Alan F.]

Quote from @Shaun Fogleman:

So I'm finishing up building my fix n' flip team and the last on my list is a general contractor. What things should I ask during the first meeting to properly vet a GC? Thanks!

 Are you licensed? They should prove it.                                             Do you have liability insurance? They should prove it.              Workers comp? Proof.                How long have you been in business? Proof.                          Have you worked with investors? Proof.                                              May I see some of your work?           References?                                         Do you write legal concise contracts? Proof

Now you double check everything on your own.

You learn more about remodeling and construction on your own and learn from the contractors.

Get multiple estimates in the beginning until you develop a trustworthy relationship with a contractor.

Here's a link to NC contractor licensing. Know it front to back.

https://ncclic.org/

Theres some good contractors on BP, hoping they opine on this thread 

Best of luck on your flip(s)!

[Salvatore Lentini]

@Shaun Fogleman - Past jobs they've done and references.  Keep in mind, it is very easy to weed out contractors as there are A LOT of obvious bad ones.  If you get a bad vibe upon meeting with them...trust that feeling because they will only get worse, not better.  The tricky part is separating out the smooth talking contractors (that suck) and the capable, dependable contractors.  That's best done through word of mouth, how long they've been in business, how busy they are...  Ideally you can start with a smaller project and if they work out then move them on to whole building reno.  That's how I continue to build my team now as I have a lot of properties but in the beginning it is more difficult, especially with a flip because you can't dole out small jobs.

[Tony Pellettieri]

The Book on Flipping Houses - J ScottQuote from @Shaun Fogleman:

So I'm finishing up building my fix n' flip team and the last on my list is a general contractor. What things should I ask during the first meeting to properly vet a GC? Thanks!

 Hey Shaun, Welcome to BP!

A great book to read/listen to if you are interested in fix n' flips I'd highly recommend, that explains the process of hiring contractors, is The Book on Flipping Houses by J Scott. Chapter 15 specifically. Link below.

The Book on Flipping Houses - J Scott Audible

The Book on Flipping Houses - J Scott Hard Copy

Good Luck!

[Angie Castro]

What everyone said! Another indication of a good contractor is a very specific contract and quote! The contract should protect both owner and contractor and it should highlight responsibilities and what all they will do. From who buys light fixtures to which ones they will put up and which ones will not. This is important because both of you want to have a clear understanding of the work that will be done so don't just assume they will do some things and have it in your contract.