President and COO
Having the right general contractor is just as important as having the right number. You will be working closely with this team throughout your entire project, so you want to make sure they not only have the skillset to perform the work, but also the ability to communicate clearly and professionally when inevitable issues arise.
A good GC will not just build. They will lead, solve problems, and help protect your investment from start to finish.
Here is a breakdown of what to look for, how to vet your candidates, and what red flags to avoid, all based on real experience in the field.
Relevant Experience
Have they completed projects similar to yours?
Look for a track record with commercial, retail, industrial, healthcare, education, or mixed use projects. The closer the match, the fewer surprises you will encounter.
Licensing and Insurance
Make sure they are licensed in California and carry appropriate insurance coverage, including general liability and workers compensation. A reputable contractor should have no problem providing documentation.
Financial Strength and Bonding Capacity
Financial strength matters. Ask about bonding capacity and whether they have the resources to navigate market fluctuations, long lead items, and unforeseen conditions. A financially stable contractor helps protect your project from unnecessary risk.
Project Management and Communication
Ask how they communicate with owners. Do they hold weekly meetings? Provide schedule updates? Share progress photos? Use project management software?
Clear communication is one of the biggest indicators of how smoothly a project will run.
Local Knowledge
Contractors who understand local jurisdictions, permitting agencies, and California code requirements can help avoid costly delays and keep the approval process moving.
Reputation
Talk to clients who have worked with them recently. Good contractors do not need to oversell themselves. Their clients will tell you what you need to know.
Once you have a shortlist, do a little homework.
Review their website and license information.
Request certificates of insurance, bonding letters, and sample schedules.
Speak with references and ask specific questions about schedule performance, cost control, and issue resolution.
Compare bids carefully. Low numbers are not always the best numbers. Sometimes they simply mean scope has been missed.
Most importantly, meet the team that will actually be running your project. The project manager and superintendent will have a much bigger impact on your experience than the person who sold the job.
A few warning signs should give you pause:
If something feels off early, it usually does not improve once construction begins.
A strong contractor will welcome informed questions.
Ask:
The answers often tell you more than the proposal itself.
Selecting a general contractor affects every phase of your project. The right team can help you manage risk, control costs, and maintain momentum when challenges arise.
More than anything, you want a partner you trust.
If you are evaluating contractors or planning your next project, I am always happy to talk through what we are seeing in the market and help you identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
If you are evaluating a tenant improvement, repositioning, or adaptive reuse opportunity, let’s talk it through. I am happy to walk you through what is working, what is not, and where we are seeing real traction in the field.
Email me at: j.simile@similebuilt.com.
Joseph J. Simile
President, Simile Construction
209.545.6111
