Great advice for choosing the right general contractor for you home or commercial construction project!

1. How to Choose the
Right General
Contractor
Follow These Steps for a Great Experience

2. Begin with the end in mind
• Have a clear vision
of what you want to
achieve in your
space.
• Think about design
and function: How
will you use the
space, where will
furniture go, where
do you need
outlets, speakers, sto
rage?

3. Do I need an architect?
• Many home and office
improvement projects
may not require
professional design
services and can be
handled by an
experienced contractor.
• But if you need
them…make sure the
contractor that you
choose has good
professional
relationships with
designers and architects
that he can recommend.

4. How do I know the right company when I
meet them?
• Look for a local
established company
• Check out their
website to see if they
do the kind of work
you need
• Use Houzz.com for
resources
• Look for reviews
• Check the BBB and
consumer affairs

5. The first meeting!
• Interview at least 3
contractors
• Share your vision,
and see if you have
synergy. You may
be together for a
while so hire
someone you like.
• What ideas can
they bring to the
table?

6. Do your due diligence
• Ask for a copy of
their license, bond
and insurance
• They should have
workers
compensation, prope
rty damage and
personal liability
insurance.
• Your local licensing
agency will have the
minimum
requirements

7. The bid process
• If you are having
several contractors
bid, make sure that
they are bidding on
the exact same
scope and quality of
work.
• Discuss bid
variations and
beware of a
substantially lower
bid. Investigate!

8. Check references
• Follow up on the
references you receive
• Ask specific questions
such as:
1. Did the contractor
begin work on time?
2. Was the job site kept
neat?
3. How was the
communication
handled?
4. Were the final details
handled well?
5. Would you use this
contractor again
without hesitation?

9. Local building codes and
permits
• The complex
elements of local
building codes and
permits are familiar
to the right
professional
• Do not obtain your
own permits!
Whoever obtains
the permit is liable
for the work

10. Choosing a company
• Choose a company
that you feel at
ease with and is
well matched to the
scope and
complexity of your
project
• Don’t hire a
handyman to build
an addition!

11. A well written contract is
essential
• Look for a professional
contract with a detailed
scope of work
• All materials should be
specified, including
size, color, model,
brand name and
product
• Start date, progress
dates, and end date
with payment schedule
• Understand and study
the required plans for
accuracy

12. Warranty should be standard
• One year on materials
and workmanship
• An arbitration
agreement is a good
idea for faster dispute
resolution
• Understand all aspects
of the contract fully
before you sign and
make the first payment
• Ask for a final release
with the final payment
to mitigate sub
contractor liens

13. Enjoy working with a true
professional!
• RVM Construction
has been serving
the Southern
California area with
quality
additions, remodels
, new
construction, tenant
improvements and
factory upgrades
for 35 years.

14. Our Mission and Philosophy
• At RVM exceptional quality construction and customer
service go hand in hand with budget and schedule goals.
Phone: (714) 632-9420
Fax: (714) 632-9520
Email: sales@RVMconstruction.com
RVM Contractor License #586334