Choosing a general contractor is one of the most important decisions in any building project, residential or commercial. The right contractor will bring organization, honesty, and craftsmanship to your project. The wrong one can turn a dream home into a drawn-out, expensive ordeal.
Start your vetting process by checking licenses, insurance, and reputation. In Florida, a Certified General Contractor license (verified through the DBPR) ensures the contractor meets state qualifications. Always ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, if they hesitate, that’s a red flag. Then, look beyond paperwork. Review their past projects and ask to visit a completed site similar to yours. The quality of work, cleanliness of the jobsite, and attention to detail will tell you a lot about their standards.
Next, evaluate communication and transparency. Good contractors don’t hide behind jargon or vague estimates. They explain every line item in plain language and provide written proposals that outline materials, milestones, and payment schedules. Ask about change order policies, inspection handling, and how they keep clients informed throughout construction. A trustworthy GC will prioritize communication, ensuring you never feel in the dark.
References are also invaluable. Call previous clients and ask not only if they were happy with the end product, but how the contractor handled challenges. Did they stay on budget? Were delays communicated clearly? Was the site kept safe and organized? The answers will tell you far more than any sales pitch.
Pay close attention to how they handle the interview itself. Are they punctual? Do they seem prepared? Do they ask insightful questions about your project goals and constraints? Professionalism in these early conversations often predicts professionalism throughout the build.
Lastly, remember that the lowest bid isn’t always the best value. Contractors who underbid often make up the difference through hidden fees or cheap materials. Focus on quality, clarity, and long-term durability, not just the price tag.
At Brandon Development, our clients choose us because they know exactly what they’re getting: honesty, integrity, and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 30 years of experience. Every structure we build is a testament to that commitment.
