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 Guilderland, NY

Q: 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>

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Guilderland homeowners rate contractors in our network

4.7

(17 reviews)

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Guilderland, NY

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Guilderland, NY 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 Guilderland, NY 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 May 22, 2017

Reviewed in May 2017
Work not completed yet. Terry was very helpful in demonstrating stairlifts and helping us to select one. Installation expected this month when preparatory carpentry work is completed by our contractor at our summer home at Piseco Lake.
The Albany Lift Co
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Reviewed in October 2016
Brian was terrific. Summer is a busy time for carpenters, and I put in calls to a number of businesses, not all of whom responded within two weeks, or at all. Brian returned my call on the same day, came out within two days, and had an estimate ready to go almost immediately. He came to do the...
Forster Construction
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Reviewed in April 2016
I would recommend them to anyone. Great work, extremely detailed, clean and a fantastic finished product. For all carpentry and remodeling needs I feel great knowing the quality of their work and the great price for it.
Father & Son Home Improvements
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Reviewed in October 2014
These guys are very good at estimating what is needed for a job, with little or no surprises. The estimate was right on target, they cleaned up every day, and did a phenomenal final cleaning when finished. They cleaned Windows, polished railings and floors and vacuumed. Do not hesitate to call...
Silver Stone Contracting
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Reviewed in July 2014
Jeff bought all the materials as well as doing the labor. He showed up on time, worked neatly and efficiently, and built a good product. We would not have been able to get ready-made doors to replace the ones that were damaged. Jeff has done a lot of work for us, all kinds of handyman...
JEFF LUTES
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Reviewed in May 2013
Called Dan early this year to get an estimate and on to his spring work schedule. We have an older home and it needed a lot of work. Dan was responsive to the estimate and worked around my time constraints. He explained the work he would do, and if extra work was needed, what his rates would...
Boone's Painting
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Reviewed in May 2012
Steve D. returned our call and came to give us an estimate in a very timely manner. Being an older house, there were some unexpected things that needed taking care of. Steve worked with us on the design and gave us options so that this could be done and still remain within our budget. He also...
Bennett Contracting Inc
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Reviewed in March 2011
Everything was done according to quote, in a timely, professional, courteous and friendly manner. Brown Bros. left the house clean and neat, having completed all the proposed (and a little more) work. The work was begun while carpentry work was being done by another contractor, and the...
Brown Brothers Painting Inc
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Reviewed in August 2010
It got done very quickly--and beautifully--and the house sold the first day it was shown! No mess inside or out. No time wasted. They had a large team, everyone equipped. They divvied up the work, and it was done very quickly. These guys understand STAGING a job; it was very well organized...
Always Perfect
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Find Contractors in Guilderland

M Johnson Contracting

4.6(

)

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"You can't go wrong when you hire MJohnson Contracting for all your renovation/contracting needs. Matt is a PERFECTIONIST and truly strives for customer satisfaction. Matt and his crew are very professional and easy to work with. I highly recommend you give MJohnson Contracting the opportunity to make your home more beautiful!!!"

+19

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Con-Tech Construction

4.9(

)

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"The project was professional through the entire process. The project started and completed on time. Frank kept great open communcation through the whole project to keep us informed of its progress. Our composite deck looks amazing! If you are looking for an honest, punctual and professional contractor, I would recommended Frank Marotta at Con-Tech Construction for all your home improvement needs."

Response time2 days

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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F and D General Home Repairs

5.0(

)

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

"Previous contractor did very bad job on my bathroom and Farzad fixed everything with a reasonable price. Great communication and cooperative. I will hire him for my next project."

+158

Response time2 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Anni did a fabulous job replacing the kitchen floor tiles after a water leak. They arrived at the appointed time, worked non stop and cleaned up the area. We highly recommend him. Their estimate was very fair. They with replacing the large plank porcelain times making sure that everything was done perfectly"

+87

Response time2 days

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by73%of homeowners

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"His work is very fast and efficient, I would 100% recommend working my with him."

+14

Response time2 days

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"John did a fantastic job."

Response time11 hrs

Response rate90%

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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TKW Home Solutions

New to Angi

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

TKW Home Solutions LLC. is a locally owned and operated general contracting company committed to quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and dependable service. \n\nWe specialize in residential remodeling, renovations, and home improvement projects of all sizes.\nFrom kitchens and bathrooms to full-home renovations, we take pride in delivering detailed, high-quality work that stands the test of time. \nOur goal is simple: complete your project on schedule, within budget, and with results you’ll love.\nWe treat every home as if it were our own and every client as a long-term relationship—not just a job.\nContact us today for a consultation. We look forward to bringing your vision to life.

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Stanton's Affordable Contracting

5.0(

)

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went great . They did a great job on the roofs they got them done quick and clean for a good price . Would definitely recommend !"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"He was very professional and has excellent work ethic. Work quality great."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Complete Contracting Inc

4.8(

)

Serving Guilderland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"After months of frustrating dealings with other contractors , Jason and his staff were a professional team that showed up, did excellent work and had the project finished in three days !! We are so happy to give this review to the one contractor who did exactly what he said he would and restored our faith in contractors. Thanks so much Jason and team ..Id give 10 stars if I could, We highly recommend complete contracting for any work you are seeking to have done."

+34

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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...

Showing 1-10 of 178

FAQs for contractor service projects in Guilderland, NY

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.

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