How is a building contractor selected?

Generally, if you haven't already interviewed and selected a general contractor during design, you will invite contractors to submit bids based on completed construction drawings. Usually three or more general contracting companies should be invited to review the documents prepared by your architect and submit total construction cost bids. This list of select bidders may come from the architect, recommendations from neighbors and co-workers, or advertising and displays. Do not hesitate to seek out and meet the general contractor on a project you see in progress, if there are aspects of what you see (workmanship, site cleanliness, local sub-contractors, speed) that impress you. Usually (but not always) the responsible contractor in competitive bidding who submits the lowest bid is hired. As with selecting an architect, chemistry can often be a determining factor in choosing a general contractor; you will be involved with your general contractor on a daily basis for some months. When ...  more