First time General Contractor, any tips?

Question

So now that my contract with my previous GC has gone down the toilet, I've decided to GC my own project.  I've never had an issue with trust but NOW, my trust level has gone from "Oh, that's my guy" to "what's your SSN, do you have any warrants and where does your mother live".

So who do you trust the most?

A. GC through a friend

B. GC you met at Lowes

C. The President

D. Yourself

In my case, I trust myself because I know how to work hard and how to manage time and people.  Most management is the same but I wanted to know if there was any reference guides or tips when it comes to managing subs that you could share.  I'm going to watch more Youtube video just in case.

Thanks.

Greg Miller · Answer

I have used two general contractors on my properties in St. Louis.  The first one I met 8 years ago through a real estate agent referral.  The other general contractor was a wholesaler referral.  In both cases, I asked them to meet them at their current job site.  This accomplished two things:  allowed me to see their work first hand and limited their downtime.  People love to show you their good work and what they are trying to accomplish.

Here are my rules with general contractors and subcontractors:  never pay more than 25% upfront for the entire job, everything is bid by the job and not a hourly rate, check their work on a regular basis (weekly is ideal), have all of their contact information (W9, mailing address, cell phone number), look at how they take care of their tools & vehicles, and ask for two references for most recent work completed and follow-up immediately with these references.

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks @Greg Miller for the info.  I saw your name and I thought you were the contractor I met today as his name is similar “Craig Miller”.  That’s some good info about their tools and vehicle.