Let’s face it. If you’re planning a renovation, addition, or new home build here in the state of Indiana, it can feel like you need an advanced degree in construction techniques just to make sense of everything.
Even for seemingly simple projects—a new bathroom vanity, for example—who do you call first? The plumber? An electrician? An interior designer? And beyond that, how do you coordinate all these professionals? It’s a lot.
But luckily, you don’t have to do any of that. Because there is a sort of superhero in the construction world: folks that go by the title “general contractor.” And by skimming this article, you’ll learn just about everything you need to know about working with these construction gurus—and why they might be here to save the day.
What is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is the person or company responsible for planning and overseeing your construction project. They act as your primary point of contact, and handle all of the following on your behalf:
- Hiring and scheduling multiple subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, roofers, etc.)
- Ordering materials and coordinating deliveries
- Keeping your project on time, within budget, and up to code
- Dealing with any unexpected surprises along the way
In short, a general contractor takes the complexity of a construction project and turns it into a single, streamlined experience for the homeowner. They’re a kind of project manager that handles all the mess and keeps things nice and tidy for you.
What Types of Projects Do General Contractors Take On?
Typically speaking, general contractors in Indiana will handle everything from small interior renovations to custom home builds from the ground up.
Projects types often include:
- Home additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, dens, etc.)
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Basement finishing or refinishing
- Garage builds or conversions
- New outdoor living spaces
- Custom home builds from the ground up
What’s the Difference Between a General Contractor and a Construction Company?
The terms general contractor and construction company are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction.
A general contractor is an individual or firm that oversees your project and manages subcontractors. You can think of a GC as being the leading project manager for your renovations or new home build.
A construction company in Indiana, on the other hand, is a larger firm that employs their own in-house labor crews to complete all of the necessary work.
Some Indiana construction companies do both—offering project management and skilled labor under one roof, which can be a major plus in terms of quality control and communication. However, general contractors, when in long-term, trusting relationships with other subcontractors, can provide an equally streamlined experience and project quality.
How Do I Know If I Need a General Contractor?
Some interior or exterior renovations are simple DIY fixes (for example, painting, replacing light fixtures, or simple cabinet hardware). However, if your project is larger or more complex, it’s always a good idea to speak with a general contractor before diving in too deep.
The following checklist will help you determine if calling an Indiana general contractor—and getting a free initial consultation and estimate—is the right move for you.
- Your project will involve multiple subcontractors (electric, framing, plumbing, etc.)
- Building permits and/or inspections are required in your municipality
- You aren’t comfortable managing tradespeople yourself
- You want to avoid costly delays or mistakes
- You value your free time and peace of mind
The truth is, general contractors aren’t always necessary. But if you have larger ambitions and want to save yourself some major headaches, it’s best to call a reputable contractor before ripping out your old fixtures.
How Do I Choose the Right General Contractor?
When hiring general contractors in Indiana, you have plenty of choices—many of whom are fantastic at serving our local communities.
But the fact is, there are also contractors out there who are okay with shoddy craftsmanship. So here are a few things to look for when vetting prospective contractors. As long as you do your due diligence, you’ll have a much better experience and a final product you love.
- Licensed and Insured: If your contractor isn’t licensed and/or insured you could be on the hook for damages, crew injuries, and be left with incomplete work unable to pass inspection.
- Local Experience and Expertise: Your contractor should know Indiana building codes and suppliers like the back of their hands—and those hands should be worn with the work of many construction projects.
- Portfolio of Past Work: Always ask for examples of previous jobs similar to yours. A reputable contractor should have a strong portfolio to share, as well as referrals from happy homeowners.
- Strong Reviews: Look for a contractor who not only performs stellar work (and can prove it with a portfolio), but maintains open communication, trust, and honesty with the homeowners they serve.
Ready to Expand Your Horizons?
At New Horizon Builders, we believe in fresh starts, new possibilities, and the experiences ahead—and feel the space you live plays a major part in how those experiences unfold.
As experienced residential and commercial general contractors in Indiana, our crews are committed to providing value. To us, that means quality workmanship, fairness, and trust—and you’re protected with a full 10-year workmanship warranty on every aspect of your home build.
So give us a call today for a free chat and project estimate. Whether you want a new kitchen, another bedroom, or a completely custom home built from the ground up, we’re here to keep your projects on track, on time, within budget, and to your exact specifications and desires.
So don’t wait. Take the first step toward building a home you love with a free estimate today—because your new horizons are just around the corner.
