Custom Home Building General Contractor in San Diego
What is a General Contractor for Custom Built Homes?
The general contractor for custom built homes is typically responsible for overseeing and managing the construction of a custom home from start to finish. This includes bidding, negotiating, and managing all the subcontractors (Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.), coordinating with architects, engineers, and material suppliers to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the client's specifications.
At Buildable, we help people find land, design their home, and build it. We are innovating in a fragmented and archaic space, helping guide people with transparency to the best home they can build. Our proprietary process involves having a general contractor involved a the very beginning of the project to help guide our clients to the most straightforward lots, identify and mitigate risks, and understand the true costs of construction so they have complete transparency to achieve their dream home in their budget. By working with Buildable, you will have a general contractor with you from start-to-finish to evaluate improvements required, complete due diligence, advise on design and value-engineer plans, and oversee the permit process. After permits are issued, we will take the reigns as your general contractor for construction and complete the typical tasks expected from the role.
More specifically, a general contractor will typically handle all aspects of the construction process, including overseeing permits and approvals, managing the construction crew and subcontractors, scheduling and coordinating the various stages of construction, and ensuring that all work meets building codes, quality, and safety standards.
The role of a general contractor generally includes:
Project management: The general contractor oversees the entire project to ensure it stays on track and meets the client's specifications.
Budgeting and cost control: The general contractor is responsible for creating and managing the project's budget, including sourcing materials and labor, and negotiating prices with subcontractors.
Scheduling and timelines: The general contractor creates and manages the project's schedule, ensuring it meets deadlines and is completed on time.
Hiring subcontractors: The general contractor hires and manages subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, to complete specific tasks and ensure the project runs smoothly and is delivered with quality.
Obtaining permits and approvals: The general contractor ensures all necessary permits are received and work completed complies with local building codes and regulations.
Communication with the client: The general contractor communicates regularly with the client, providing updates on the project's progress and addressing any concerns or issues that arise.
Quality control: The general contractor ensures the quality outcome of the project by monitoring the work of subcontractors, inspecting the work, and making necessary adjustments.
Safety and site management: The general contractor ensures the site is safe and clean, and manages the logistics of the construction process, such as delivery of materials and equipment.
Overall, the general contractor is responsible for ensuring the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the client's satisfaction. They act as the main point of contact between the client and subcontractors, overseeing all aspects of the project to ensure its success.
Traditionally, builders are engaged after a lot is selected, the design has been completed, and permits have been issued. However, Buildable was designed to introduce a builder at the beginning of a project where they can make a real difference in value engineering and risk mitigation. Buildable has designed its process to ensure anyone building a custom home has the right experts with them to ensure a home that exceeds expectations and is delivered within budget.
General Contractor Licenses & Qualifications in San Diego
In San Diego, a general contractor must have a license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to operate legally. The CSLB is responsible for regulating contractors and ensuring that they meet the necessary qualifications and standards to work in California. Here are the general qualifications and requirements for obtaining a general contractor license in San Diego:
Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Experience: The applicant must have at least four years of experience in the construction industry. This experience must be within the last ten years and can be obtained through education, training, or work experience.
Examination: The applicant must pass a two-part examination, which includes a trade exam and a law and business exam.
Bond: The applicant must obtain a contractor's license bond in the amount of $15,000.
Insurance: The applicant must have general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million.
Fees: The applicant must pay an application fee, exam fee, and license fee.
Once licensed, general contractors in San Diego must renew their licenses every two years and complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with industry changes and standards.
It's important to note that certain specialty trades, such as electrical, plumbing, and roofing, require separate licenses in addition to a general contractor license. So, make sure to check the CSLB website for specific requirements and qualifications for the type of work you need to be done.
In San Diego, there are two types of general contractor licenses issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB):
Class A General Engineering Contractor License: A Class A license allows a contractor to work on projects that involve the construction, alteration, or repair of any structure or project requiring specialized engineering knowledge and skill. Examples of projects that fall under a Class A license include highways, bridges, airports, and waterworks.
Class B General Building Contractor License: A Class B license allows a contractor to work on projects that involve the construction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure. Examples of projects that fall under a Class B license include residential and commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.
Buildable is an A & B licensed general contractor, which ensures you have a partner in the process who understands the engineering needs of the project and doesn’t need to call additional experts through the process at your cost. These skills and credentials are especially critical in finding the right lot, as typical lots require engineers to design and contour the home location. We can help advise you right from the beginning on costs to make a lot buildable.
In addition to the general contractor licenses, there are also specialty licenses for certain trades such as electrical, plumbing, and roofing. It's important to note that contractors who perform work on specialty trades must also hold a valid license in that particular trade in addition to their general contractor license.
Before hiring a general contractor for your project, it's crucial to check their license and ensure that they hold the appropriate license for the work you need to be done. You can check a contractor's license status on the CSLB website, and you can also verify their insurance coverage and bond information.
How Much Do General Contractors Charge for Custom Home Builds in San Diego?
The cost of hiring a general contractor for a custom home build in California can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the location, size, complexity, and finishes of the project. On average, general contractors charge between 12% to 25% of the total project cost for their services. It's important to note that this fee does not include the cost of materials, permits, subcontractors, and other expenses.
It's also essential to keep in mind that some general contractors may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate instead of a percentage of the project cost. Flat fees can be advantageous for clients because they provide a clear understanding of the contractor's fees upfront.
Building a custom home is extremely complicated, with high requirements for expertise and precision. In construction, you get what you pay for, so keep that in mind when evaluating potential partners. The cheapest bid may not always be the best option, and it's crucial to choose a contractor who has the necessary experience, qualifications, and a proven track record of delivering quality work within the budget and timeline.
How to Choose the Best Custom Home Contractor in San Diego
Choosing the best general contractor for a custom home in San Diego can be a daunting task, but here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
Research and Review: Start by researching and reviewing the websites of various general contractors in San Diego. Look for their experience, expertise, and past projects. Check their reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Houzz.
Ask for Referrals: Ask your family, friends, or acquaintances who have had a custom home built in San Diego for referrals. Ask them about their experience with the general contractor and whether they were satisfied with the work.
Verify Credentials: Make sure that the general contractor you are considering has all the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage required to work in San Diego. You can verify their credentials with the Contractors State License Board.
Check Communication Skills: A good general contractor should have excellent communication skills and be able to explain the construction process, timeline, and budget in a way that you can understand. Make sure they respond to your queries promptly and are accessible when you need them.
Conduct Interviews: Schedule interviews with multiple general contractors in San Diego. Ask them about their experience, approach to custom home building, and if they have worked on projects similar to yours before.
Check References: Ask the general contractor for references of past clients and follow up with them. Ask about their experience with the contractor and whether they would recommend them.
Create a tight scope: Often, material prices are uniform throughout your market, but cost differences in bids could come down to assumptions made in the bids themselves. One window package could be $20,000; another window package could be $50,000. It doesn’t mean one contractor is more expensive than another; they have different assumptions on something potentially undefined in the plans. You need to ensure expectations are aligned when going to bid on your project.
Overall, take your time to choose the right general contractor for your custom home in San Diego. It's a significant investment, and you want to make sure it's done right.
How to Spot a Bad General Contractor
Spotting a bad general contractor for custom home builds can be challenging, but here are some warning signs to look out for:
No license or insurance: A good contractor should hold a valid license and insurance to protect you from liability and ensure the work is completed to code. If they can't provide proof of either, it's a red flag.
Lack of communication: If the contractor is difficult to reach, unresponsive to emails or calls, or fails to communicate regularly, it could be a sign of poor management and organization.
No references: A reputable contractor should be able to provide references. If they can't, it may indicate a lack of experience or a history of unsatisfied clients.
Lowball bids: If the contractor provides an unusually low bid compared to other contractors, it could indicate they plan to cut corners, use low-quality materials or subcontractors, or may not have the experience to complete the project correctly.
Unwillingness to provide a detailed contract: A detailed contract outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, materials, and timelines is critical to protect you and the contractor from misunderstandings or disputes. If the contractor is unwilling to provide one, it may indicate they're not willing to stand behind their work.
Lack of transparency: A good contractor should be transparent about their processes, materials, and fees. If they're vague or secretive, it could be a sign of dishonesty or lack of experience.
Poor reviews: Check online reviews and ratings from previous clients to see if there are any recurring complaints or issues. If the contractor has poor reviews, it's likely they may not be a good fit for your project.
Remember, it's essential to take the time to research and vet potential contractors thoroughly to ensure you find a reputable and experienced professional who can deliver a quality custom home.
Why Should I Hire a General Contractor for a Custom Home Build?
Unless you’ve done it before or work as a general contractor, you need to hire a general contractor. The process is just way to complicated and time-consuming for a novice to take on. Not to mention, if you do it 90% right, you'll be living with the 10% you got wrong for the rest of your life. There are several benefits to hiring a general contractor instead of being your own general contractor for a custom home builder. The benefits are listed below:
Project management expertise: General contractors have extensive experience managing construction projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and overseeing subcontractors. They can ensure the project runs smoothly and is completed on time and within budget.
Volume Discounts: Suppliers normally give contractors pass-through discounts based on the volume of product they purchase. This can result in savings across all aspects of your project.
Access to a network of subcontractors: General contractors typically have established relationships with a network of subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, who they can rely on to complete specific tasks on the project. This can save time and money compared to searching for subcontractors on your own.
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations: General contractors are familiar with local building codes and regulations and can ensure the project complies with these requirements, saving you from potentially costly mistakes or delays.
Liability protection: General contractors typically carry insurance to protect themselves and their clients from liability in case of accidents or damage during the construction process.
Reduced stress and workload: Hiring a general contractor can reduce the stress and workload of managing a construction project on your own. They handle the details, leaving you free to focus on other aspects of the project or your personal life. You should focus on making the money to build your home, and leave the work to the experts!
Quality control: General contractors oversee all aspects of the project and ensure the work is completed to a high standard, reducing the risk of mistakes or poor quality workmanship.
Overall, hiring a general contractor can make the custom home build process more efficient, cost-effective, and less stressful, allowing you to focus on enjoying the end result - your dream home.
Build Your Home in San Diego With Buildable
Building a custom home takes an immense amount of time and effort, but with the right team, the end result will be well worth it. The process can appear overwhelming to those who start the journey alone; however, building your dream home can be simple when you approach the process with experts by your side who can guide you through every step. Buildable specializes in luxury custom home construction, meaning we have the experts on our team that you need to have a stress-free home build, and create the luxury home of your dreams. We have over 40 years of home building experience within our team, and over 1,000 homes built. Read about our team, talk to us, and get the answers to questions you may have about starting the custom home building process in San Diego.
