How much do general contractors typically charge?

<div>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. </div>

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>

Do general contractors require a down payment for projects?

<div>Yes, most general contractors require a down payment for project completion. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-reasonable-down-payment-contractor.htm">A reasonable down payment for a contractor</a> 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. </div>

Top 10 Best Contractors in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Meraz Home Builders Inc

Meraz Home Builders Inc

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

56 local quotes requested

We are a company of professional builders, in new homes and remodeling; siding, framing, windows installment, interior finish and decks.

"Can’t say enough about Juan. Once I contacted him through Thumbtack, he was immediately responsive. From that moment on he was professional. He’s work is top notch, He picked up all flooring . He also recommended putting tile in bathrooms, which was perfect. I absolutely love everything juan did, and will hire him again.. he even put in a new butcher block counter another plus about juan. His work is perfect. Thank you juan"

Kim S on June 2025

We are a company of professional builders, in new homes and remodeling; siding, framing, windows installment, interior finish and decks.

"Can’t say enough about Juan. Once I contacted him through Thumbtack, he was immediately responsive. From that moment on he was professional. He’s work is top notch, He picked up all flooring . He also recommended putting tile in bathrooms, which was perfect. I absolutely love everything juan did, and will hire him again.. he even put in a new butcher block counter another plus about juan. His work is perfect. Thank you juan"

Kim S on June 2025

Barraza Construction, Inc.

11341 Crest View Drive

Barraza Construction, Inc.

11341 Crest View Drive

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

21 local quotes requested

Welcome to BARRAZA CONSTRUCTION INC! We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer! We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you!

"Great service, everything exceed expectations."

Zack M on February 2023

Welcome to BARRAZA CONSTRUCTION INC! We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer! We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you!

"Great service, everything exceed expectations."

Zack M on February 2023

Blue Star Construction, LLC

Blue Star Construction, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

7 years of experience

Blue Star Construction is a Veteran Owned and Operated General Contracting company specializing in interior and exterior residential remodeling and painting. Serving Lake Tahoe and the Long Beach, Orange County area, JT and his team focus on exceptional customer satisfaction and delivering quality results that can be appreciated for many years to come. From kitchen and bathroom remodels, to exterior painting and full landscape design and hardscaping, we've got you covered; so give us a call today!

"Did terrible work and then threatened to put a lien on our home to collect the rest of the money without fixing the problems with the work. But the work looked so bad, the offer we got on the home specifically requested the flooring be fixed--and it was brand new!!! Broke a window. Trashed the home. Painted the ceilings with the wall color and the wall color with the ceiling. Installed the doors the wrong way. Put in the wrong trim and baseboards. Didn't properly texture the wall repairs. Put crappy sticker laminate down that was popping up in several places and wouldn't fix it even though there were bumps all over the place. Was a waste of $20K+ and a headache to deal with. Do not recommend. Have photos to demonstrate their work quality. Very shoddy. RUN."

Jami H on September 2024

Blue Star Construction is a Veteran Owned and Operated General Contracting company specializing in interior and exterior residential remodeling and painting. Serving Lake Tahoe and the Long Beach, Orange County area, JT and his team focus on exceptional customer satisfaction and delivering quality results that can be appreciated for many years to come. From kitchen and bathroom remodels, to exterior painting and full landscape design and hardscaping, we've got you covered; so give us a call today!

"Did terrible work and then threatened to put a lien on our home to collect the rest of the money without fixing the problems with the work. But the work looked so bad, the offer we got on the home specifically requested the flooring be fixed--and it was brand new!!! Broke a window. Trashed the home. Painted the ceilings with the wall color and the wall color with the ceiling. Installed the doors the wrong way. Put in the wrong trim and baseboards. Didn't properly texture the wall repairs. Put crappy sticker laminate down that was popping up in several places and wouldn't fix it even though there were bumps all over the place. Was a waste of $20K+ and a headache to deal with. Do not recommend. Have photos to demonstrate their work quality. Very shoddy. RUN."

Jami H on September 2024

6 years of experience

I love to build custom things for homes. have several years of experience in custom carpentry, and been in construction industry for over 25 years doing all sorts of different trades you name it I can do it . But my favorite thing is to customize peoples homes and make there ideas or even mine come to life. Helping you organize ,customize and create a better way to live. So I am up for any task does not matter what it is I put my all in my work so that's " Custom space "

30 years in construction area.

small local contractor able to spend the little bit of extra time and do those smaller jobs. a craftsman by nature and enjoy what I do with a 5-year background in residential and commercial Maintenace and repair as well as painting. including my total of 7 years in this line of work becoming familiar with all aspects of construction. I'm able to do exterior and interior painting to plumbing and all the in between

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Drake custom builder and remodeler ground up builder to small projects . excavation concrete ,framing , electrical , plumbing , siding , decks, roofing , sheet rock , painting most work done in house to keep project on time line

"They were on time, they were here when they said they would, and they did a good job."

Greg C on January 2023

Drake custom builder and remodeler ground up builder to small projects . excavation concrete ,framing , electrical , plumbing , siding , decks, roofing , sheet rock , painting most work done in house to keep project on time line

"They were on time, they were here when they said they would, and they did a good job."

Greg C on January 2023

Tried n True roofing is an owner-operated business that provides service to El Dorado County and surrounding areas. We specialize in the installation or repair of all types of roofing, on both residential and commercial buildings. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. No obligation free quotes are available upon request. We look forward to assisting you in finding the very best and cost effective solution to your roofing challenge. Ca license #1087417

Ideal Property Renewal

No reviews

Ideal Property Renewal

No reviews

30 years of experience

Hello, John Gibbs. 925-306-9520 The guy you need to keep up with your homes natural wearing, as well as any repair or project. I love to paint, inside or out to include repairing, renewal of rotted trim. Just painting garage and trim give a refreshing Renewal. Installation of Flooring, LVP, Hardwood, and Tile, Back Splash, Baseboards and Moldings. Install Fans, Drop Lights, moving outlets etc. Pressure Washing; Hardscape (Re-Sand/Polymeric), Houses, Driveways and Walkways, Floor Coatings (Garage and Sealers). Fence builder as well as repairs to sections and gates. I have built additions to homes (Remodels). Really, there is no job I have not done. Having all the right equipment and tools is important, and I have built on my services and equipment by investing in myself as well as the equipment that I use. If I can do it, I do it to the desired perfection of the client. If I can not do the project, I will tell you and not even try. "johnny on the spot" at ideal.property.renewal Cell 925-306-9520 or 775-410-9520. PLEASE call me any time for an emergency service... Very meticulous, on time, clean, and work straight until job is done with No distractions. I am a U.S. Army Veteran and grew up in Reno. Attended Hug High then McQueen the first year that it opened. Also attended Feather River College Have a AS degree in Business, AA in Liberal Arts/Humanity, and an AA Social Behavioral Science. Never ask for payment until project is complete as well as providing all materials with a receipt for reimbursement. Have a contractors account with Sherwin Williams, Reno Paint Mart, Dunn Edwards as well as 10% Veterans discount at most hardware stores to include Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware.

Permian Builders LLC is a local, licensed general contractor in Nevada and California that specializes in tenant improvements (retail, office, restaurants, etc.) as well as ground up and design builds. At Permian Builders, we believe in a customer service based approach using our many years of commercial construction experience.