The Top 5 Things To Consider

Whether you're planning a home renovation, a commercial build, or a new construction project, choosing the right general contractor is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. The contractor you hire will determine the quality, timeline, and overall success of your project. With so many options available, how do you ensure you’re making the best choice?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to selecting the right general contractor, focusing on licensing, experience, reputation, quality of previous work, and communication.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before hiring a contractor, make sure they are licensed and insured to operate in your area. A valid license ensures that they meet local requirements and industry standards. You can ask for a copy of their license and insurance certificates to verify this information.

Check for:

• State or local licensing (requirements vary by location)
• General liability insurance (protects against property damage)
• Workers' compensation insurance (covers worker injuries on the job)

Look for Industry Experience

Not all contractors specialize in the same types of projects. A contractor with years of experience in your specific type of project is more likely to deliver high-quality results. Experience matters the most in relevant project expertise. 

Questions to ask:

• How long have you been in business?
• Have you completed similar projects before?
• What challenges do you foresee in this project?

Check Reputation and Reviews

A contractor’s reputation is a strong indicator of their work ethic and customer satisfaction. Take the time to research their background. Be cautious of a contractor that doesn’t have an online presence or even only perfect reviews. 

Ways to check reputation:

• Read Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews
• Ask for client references and contact them. You can even go see the work yourself. Then ask that client if they know other clients.
• Check if they have complaints or legal disputes

Review Their Portfolio and Quality of Work

A contractor’s past projects tell you a lot about their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to execute a vision. Visit completed projects and talk to past clients. This will give you a good idea of what you can expect.

What to look for in a portfolio:

• High-quality materials and finishes
• Well-executed designs that align with your style
• Consistency in workmanship across multiple projects

Evaluate Communication and Professionalism

A successful project relies on clear and consistent communication between you and your contractor. Miscommunication can lead to delays, cost overruns, and frustration on both the client and general contractor side. Trust your instincts—if a contractor is unresponsive or dismissive during the initial stages, it will likely get worse once the project starts.

Key signs of good communication:

• Responds to emails and calls in a timely manner
• Listens to your needs and provides clear explanations
• Provides a detailed contract with scope of work, timeline, and costs
• Updates you regularly on project progress

MB&R Contractors has a highly skilled staff and executes all construction work with our in-house team. We follow this model to control the quality of work provided to our clients and ensure we stay on budget and deliver our work on time. We do projects of all sizes and our services include: welding, concrete installation, steel work from fabrication to steel buildings, water control, dump truck services, and much more. MB&R Contractors takes on residential, commercial, and industrial jobs with our own in-house team.