Are you planning to remodel your home or add another room to your existing home? Regardless of your remodel or building requirements, services from a renowned general contractor can make all the difference. They can guide from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough of the project. With the righteous guidance, it is easier to comply with the local building guidelines and achieve a construction project that is built to last.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of hiring a general contractor in Orlando. We aim to ensure a project is done right, on time, and on budget. Reading this blog will give you ideas to hire the right contractor according to your construction requirements.
- Learn about your goals
Before you consult the general contractor, it is crucial to have a good idea of your primary requirements. Are you updating a kitchen? Building a second story? Converting a garage? You should know your needs, including design preferences, timeline, and budget range. It will help you to approach the contractor in the right way. The following are a few tips to get maximum advantages from the initial consultations:
- Sketch ideas or gather photos for inspiration.
- List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
- Decide if you’ll need permits (most likely, yes in Orlando)
- Research the local services
Orlando has a competitive home renovation market, with numerous general contractor services throughout the region. For residential renovation projects, you should focus on well-experienced contractors. They should have extensive knowledge of the field to bring their vision into reality.
Consulting a local contractor can be a good decision. A local expert will know the region well regarding permitting procedures and hurricane codes. They are also conversant with climatic issues such as humidity, floods, and termite control.
- Verify Licensing and Insurance
Every general contractor is licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can look up licenses at myfloridalicense.com.
As you reach out to the contractor, you should ask for the following things:
- A valid contractor’s license (Certified Residential Contractor or General Contractor)
- Proof of general liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Interview Multiple Contractors
As you search for general contracting professionals, you should never stop with only one. We suggest listing the top 10 and getting quotes from them for different services. Meeting with these professionals ensures your chances of experiencing their professionalism, communication style, and technical know-how.
The following are the common questions that you should ask:
- How long have you been in the same services?
- Have you done remodeling projects for any residential property?
- Will you help me get permits and inspections?
- Do you have in-house teams or use subcontractors for resindetail services?
- What’s your estimated timeline to complete a project?
- Will you provide me with a portfolio of your recent projects?
Don’t forget to take notes. A good contractor will explain everything in detail. They will offer suggestions and guidance, not only quotes.
- Get Estimates For Services
If you are done with consultations, ask the contractor to provide estimates. These may include the following:
- Labor and materials
- Permit and inspection costs
- Timeline and payment schedule
- Allowances for finishes or fixtures
- Contingency fees (if any)
However, you should never settle for lowball estimates. They may signal shortcuts, missing scope details, or poor-quality materials.
- Check References and Reviews
Before you sign a contract, you should be sure of the authenticity of the contractor. The best way to check their credibility is to find references and read reviews. A reputable general contractor should have the maximum number of positive reviews from clients. Reading these reviews allows you to get ideas about what people think of them.
If you are able to locate a reliable general contractor, you can rest assured that the project will be completed on time.
- Review The Contract
Once you are done with the contract procedure, make sure to re-read it. There should not be any vague terms, as they can leave you in trouble later. Check the following details:
- Full scope of work
- Project timeline and start/end dates
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Warranties on labor and materials
- Termination and change order clauses
- Signatures from both parties
- Understand Local Permitting and Codes
Most home renovation and construction project anywhere in Florida needs city or county permits. Orlando is not an exception. Without the permits, you may be fined, fail inspection, and have trouble selling your home. The contractor is expected to be aware of the permits and undertake the procedure.
Moreover, make sure that your contractor uses Florida wind mitigation and energy efficiency building codes, specifically roofs, windows, and exterior work.
- Monitor the Project
Most general contractors provide updates on work status. You should maintain a written log of milestones and conversations. Taking photos of the work in progress helps you to get an idea of the overall project and prevent pitfalls.
- Final Walkthrough and Payment
The project could have been on the point of completion. This time, you are expected to do the final walk-through and see whether all your needs have been met. In case you have any problem with your project, clearly inquire about it and get it clarified in time. Ask for:
- Final inspection approvals (if applicable)
- Warranty paperwork
- Lien releases (confirming all subcontractors were paid)
Final Thoughts
Although finding a residential general contractor in Orlando can be exhausting, it is not a stressful process, provided you are thorough. Whether checking the license or asking the correct questions, every step is highly important not to make expensive errors and help your home renovation to be successful.
Be patient, make sound inquiries, and select a person who is open, has ample experience, and can realize your vision. Contact us at Personal Touch Contracting LLC. We have long been your trusted general contractors for residential projects. Connect with us today and receive free quotations for different services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Residential Contractor in Orlando
- How do I verify a contractor’s license in Orlando?
You can check a contractor’s license status on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website at myfloridalicense.com.
- Do residential contractors need insurance?
Residential contractors should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. These policies protect clients from accidents, damage, or legal issues during the project.
- Should I get multiple estimates before any home renovation project?
You should have at least two or three estimates from different contractors. We at Personal Touch Contracting LLC offer transparent pricing so that you get trustworthy services.
- Should I apply for building permits for home renovations in Orlando?
Most structural, plumbing, and electrical work in Orlando and anywhere in Florida requires building permits. We know the permits for different services and handle the process.
- What should I check in a residential contractor agreement?
A contractor agreement typically consists of the scope of work, timeline, costs, payment schedule, materials, warranty details, and clauses for changes or cancellations.
- How can I hire a reliable general contractor?
You should look for experience, expertise, recommendations, portfolio, etc. These criteria are often the judgmental factors to consider a contractor to be reliable.
- What can I do in case a contractor fails to deliver on time?
Discuss issues promptly regarding conditions, delays, and liabilities. Write it all down and get legal assistance or mediation at the required stage.