What does a general contractor do?

<div>General contractors are the ones that coordinate home construction projects. They are in charge of the day-to-day oversight of the subcontractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and to resolve problems as they arise. General contractors:<ul><li>Complete pre-construction planning, both with the customer and crew</li><li>Provide realistic cost estimates</li><li>Develop construction timelines</li><li>Ensure deadlines are met</li><li>Acquire permits as needed</li><li>Purchase supplies and materials</li></ul></div>

What questions should I ask a general contractor?

<div>Before hiring a general contractor for your home project, it’s a great idea to write down a list of questions to discuss with each prospect. Some example questions to get you started include:<ul><li>Which types of insurance do you carry?</li><li>Can you provide a list of references?</li><li>What is the expected timeline for this project?</li><li>How will my project be supervised?</li><li>Will you hire subcontractors for the job?</li><li>What is the best way to communicate changes?</li><li>Will you obtain all of the required building permits?</li></ul></div>

Should general contractors be certified or licensed?

<div>While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

Top 10 Best Contractors in Bakersfield, CA

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Bakersfield, CA

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Bakersfield, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Contractor Service companies in Bakersfield, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

Last update on August 09, 2025

Reviewed in November 2013
There was a misunderstanding with what they had done. I requested to have the stairs stained on the exterior of the unit; the worker had painted them instead. She responded all too well, but she hasn't contacted us in regards to correcting the mistake. The services were impeccable, but we...
SHEcan2
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Reviewed in May 2022
I would 100% recommend working with Old Ironsides as a construction company. I reached out to their company and Lee'o went out and looked at our property and gave me a bid. When I chose their company to do the work, I walked the property with Lee'o and Pat. I then went and picked the...
Old Ironsides Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2016
This is the second time I have used Creative Remodeling and I already have another list started for future jobs. Both of my experiences have been exemplary. Randy is easy to work with and flexible if you change your mind during a job. I most recently had him do work for my elderly mother, and I...
Creative Remodeling
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Reviewed in May 2011
This man is a licensed General Contractor (License No. 923698) who I found on Craig's List or in the newspaper (I can't remember now which it was) - and I hired him to do some "handyman" work at my home in the spring of last year. The work took a couple of weeks or so and I was very impressed by...
Max Baza
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Reviewed in August 2012
he used subcontractors that wer very professional. each pase was done in one day along with clean-up afterwards
Pablo Reynoso Construction
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Reviewed in April 2013
The remodel of our bathroom and office went very well. The bathroom was gutted to the studs. They built a large walk-in shower that is very luxurious. It has ceramic tile, stone trim, bronze fixtures and cubbies that hold all our products. They also built a custom vanity cabinet with double...
Lance McCullah Construction Inc
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Reviewed in May 2012
Integrity construction uses Barry Hanner as a general manager of the jobs and he gave me options, suggestions, checked out all the work in progress, making sure it was being done to Integrity satisfaction and mine. When I had a question on the exterior painting Barry and Vince stepped in and...
Integrity Construction
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Contractors in Bakersfield

Socal Express Restoration and Construction Inc.

6860 Canby Avenue, Suite 114

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

Socal Express Restoration and Construction Inc.

6860 Canby Avenue, Suite 114

New on AngiNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

5 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We are an ethical, honest and professional company. We are easy to communicate with. Always working with you until the job is done right and to your specifications. When working with our company you can expect integrity, prompt service and superior customer service. Always leaving the job site clean . We take pride in our services and enjoy making clients repeat clients. You can count on us to get the job done right the first time. We will meet with you at your convenience and will not keep you waiting. Call us today for your free estimate. You'll be pleased you did. Thank you

Customers say: Quick response

40 local quotes requested

17 years of experience

With several years experience, we work hard to bring each customer the best possible service and quality available. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We welcome your questions and thank you for your interest. We offer financing.

"Jose and his crew showed up and got right to work! Get group of guys, and even called a few days later to check on his work!!"

Arlen T on August 2025

"Jose and his crew showed up and got right to work! Get group of guys, and even called a few days later to check on his work!!"

Arlen T on August 2025

Pine Flat's Handy Services (check notes)

HC4 Box 692

No reviews

Pine Flat's Handy Services (check notes)

HC4 Box 692

No reviews

2 years of experience

With over 10+ years of experience in general construction, we have done it all. From custom cabinets to full house remodels. We believe every job should be done with excellence and pride. We also believe that communication is key when working with individuals on their projects. We look forward to working with you.

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Soliz Construction is a full service general contractor meeting the remodeling needs of the residential and commercial marketplace in Bakersfield, California. We have the capability and capacity to provide a complete spectrum of work and services related to all facets of the construction industry. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling and home additions to increase living space throughout the Bakersfield area. With over 40 years of specialized experience, we can handle the intricate management of both small and large projects, as required. Keeping abreast of new products, current construction methods and unique design solutions, we're able to meet any new customer demand that is presented.

"It went very well. They were professional and cleaned it. They painted it perfectly and got the job done right. I highly recommend them to anyone whose looking for a painting works."

Rico R on March 2023

"It went very well. They were professional and cleaned it. They painted it perfectly and got the job done right. I highly recommend them to anyone whose looking for a painting works."

Rico R on March 2023

23 years of experience

Accurate Home Repair specializes in small electrical, plumbing, and carpentry repairs. With my 25 years of experience, and the assistance of technology, we're able to reduce our time on site, and ultimately saving the client money.

Old Ironsides Construction, Inc.

400 30th St

4.90(

)

Old Ironsides Construction, Inc.

400 30th St

4.90(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

Nothing feels better than a dream come true. At Old Ironsides Construction, that's what we do! From project management, to kitchen and bath remodels, fence work, concrete, room additions and more. Let us help you bring possible through to reality. We are a team of like minded guys who love helping transform dreams into reality. A disabled veteran business, we know intimately what it means to serve. Repeat business is our specialty, and referrals is our sales pipeline.

"From the start the company was very punctual. I was extremely impressed with Steve the painter. The precision in his brush strokes was amazing. I've watched a lot of professional painters in my life and he was by far the best I've seen. He was also very knowledgeable. The other painter David was extremely polite. He was also very skilled. They did an absolutely amazing job. The countertop installation was also very interesting to watch and the men who cut and installed our quartzite countertops were very quick and professional and did an amazing job. Dan, our tile guy, was also very quick and professional. He was very polite and made sure to check with me about decisions on how the tile was placed. I was very appreciative of that. Overall, I was very pleased with every crew that came to our house to work. To have an honest and fair review, I will also list the negatives. They are miniscule but still notable. Communication with management was lacking. I often had to ask when someone was coming. I had my kitchen completely demoed and no more work scheduled for 5 days. Seems like demo could've waited. I had to negotiate the price more than once which seemed inappropriate. Once should've been plenty. Twice I had men show up to work completely unannounced. When the work was completed, there was an absolute cut off of communication. No gratitude for my business of any sort. They sent a worker to ask for the final payment. Overall, the work is extremely quality work, so the company still gets 5/5 stars and I would recommend them. The positives far outweigh the negatives."

Leslie C on June 2022

Eric's fix-all handyman services not lic. Cont.

California 65

No reviews

Eric's fix-all handyman services not lic. Cont.

California 65

No reviews

Emergency services offered

Eric's fix all handyman services offers 1000s of home repairs/ installs including plumbing electrical and many more call/text pictures to 5597935998 with brief description

CD construction/handyman

Drive

No reviews

CD construction/handyman

Drive

No reviews

Emergency services offered

the best

Edgar's Cabinets & More, Inc.

4500 Dry Creek Rd

No reviews

Edgar's Cabinets & More, Inc.

4500 Dry Creek Rd

No reviews

15 years of experience

INSTALLING/FINISHING CABINETRY ASSEMBLING CABINETRY TRANSPORTING CABINETRY STORING CABINTETRY REFACING CABINETRY DEMOLISHING CABINETRY CUSTOM CABINETRY FABRICATION INSTALLING MANTELS INSTALLING DOORS RECYCLING AND DISPOSING OF MATERIALS

Tony Choate Handyman Services

125 Lincoln Ave

No reviews

Tony Choate Handyman Services

125 Lincoln Ave

No reviews

Free onsite estimate

We are a family locally owned business with over 10 years in every aspect of home repair and remodeling. We pride ourselves in customer satisfaction if your happy we are happy. We specialize in the following areas; Painting Drywall Installation and Repair Tile Plumbing Electrical Gutters Remodels Counter Tops Fencing Installation and Repair

...

Showing 1-10 of 55

FAQs for contractor service projects in Bakersfield, CA

Generally, general contractors charge between $50 and $150 hourly, though not every contractor charges by the hour. If charging based on the project, you can expect a markup of 10% to 20% of the construction cost. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 daily if charged by the day.

General contractors are the ones that coordinate home construction projects. They are in charge of the day-to-day oversight of the subcontractors to ensure that the project is completed on time and to resolve problems as they arise. General contractors:

Complete pre-construction planning, both with the customer and crew
Provide realistic cost estimates
Develop construction timelines
Ensure deadlines are met
Acquire permits as needed
Purchase supplies and materials

Before hiring a general contractor for your home project, it’s a great idea to write down a list of questions to discuss with each prospect. Some example questions to get you started include:

Which types of insurance do you carry?
Can you provide a list of references?
What is the expected timeline for this project?
How will my project be supervised?
Will you hire subcontractors for the job?
What is the best way to communicate changes?
Will you obtain all of the required building permits?

While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Yes, most general contractors require a down payment for project completion. A reasonable down payment for a contractor is 10% to 25% of the total project cost, though that will vary based on project size and location. The down payment helps cover the upfront costs of materials and permits and helps ensure payment for the project at hand.