How to vet a general contractor for a multifamily build
Multifamily punishes weak coordination. Here is what to check before you hand the project over, beyond the number on the bid.
6 minute read
Look past the lowest number
The lowest bid is often the one with the biggest gaps. On a multifamily project, a scope that missed the site retention, the utility tie ins, or a chunk of the sitework will surface as a change order later, after you have committed. A real budget built in preconstruction is worth more than a low number that moves.
Ask what they self perform
The site and underground work drives the schedule on a multifamily build. If the contractor subs all of it out, ask how they hold the schedule when a sub falls behind. A contractor who self performs the site and underground keeps the hardest part of the early schedule under one crew.
Check how they handle bad news
Every project hits something. What matters is whether the contractor tells you early, with options, or waits until it is a crisis. Ask past clients a simple question: when something went wrong, how did you hear about it? The answer tells you more than a reference letter.
Confirm one point of contact
On a job with this many trades, you do not want to chase answers across a chain of people. Confirm who runs your project day to day and who you call when you need an answer. One accountable contact is worth a lot when the schedule is tight.
Common questions
What should I ask a general contractor before a multifamily project?
Ask what they self perform, how they build and hold the budget, how they handle a sub falling behind, and who your single point of contact is. Ask past clients how they were told when something went wrong.
Why does self perform matter on multifamily?
The site and underground work sets the early schedule on a multifamily build. A contractor who self performs it keeps that critical work under one crew instead of split across subs who can point at each other when something slips.
Ready to build with a team that answers the phone?
Send us the project and we will come back to you on scope, budget, and schedule.