How to Work with Your General Contractor: 7 Easy Steps for a Successful Austin Home Project
Starting a construction or remodeling project is exciting, but in all honesty—it can also feel overwhelming. With so many decisions to make and moving parts to juggle, it’s easy to sense doubt about how to keep everything on track. After all, this is your home we’re talking about, so it’s only natural to obsess over every detail. While it's completely understandable to want to have everything perfect, it’s important to balance that with the realities of construction.
So, what's the key to learning how to work with your general contractor? To ensure a successful Austin home project, we’ve put together this simple 7-step guide packed with insights from a seasoned pro. Expert general contractor and owner of Domain Construction Services in Austin, Tx, Terri Lasater, shares her best tips for fostering a strong partnership and setting realistic expectations from the start. Whether it's mastering communication, understanding the project flow, or embracing tools to keep everything running smoothly, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in and get you on the right path!
1. Prioritize Consistent Communication
Let’s start with the foundation of any successful project: communication. It's easy to think of your general contractor as just the person who builds things, but they’re actually your partner in executing all steps necessary to make your design turn into an outstanding build.
“The most important thing for a homeowner is to know that your contractor is on the same team. We are experts in the field of construction.”
Q: How often should you communicate with your contractor? Regular check-ins—weekly or bi-weekly—are typically sufficient, but it depends on the complexity of your project.
Pro Tip: Establish an agreed-upon method of communication early on, whether it’s phone, email, or text.
Consistent communication is the secret to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone’s on the same page. Whether it’s through regular check-ins, emails, or calls, the more transparent you are, the better your contractor can perform. As the project progresses, keep yourself updated, and don't hesitate to share any concerns or adjustments you might have.
2. Stick to Designated Walkthrough Times
Now, let’s talk about walkthroughs—those crucial checkpoints that help you assess progress and keep your home project moving. Terri recommends sticking to the scheduled walkthroughs for a few reasons:
“Walkthroughs offer structured opportunities for progress updates and to address any issues. When we all show up on time, it helps keep the project momentum going.”
Respecting scheduled walkthroughs helps your general contractor stay organized and on track. These check-ins offer a chance to ensure the project is progressing as planned, while also allowing your contractor to stay focused on completing the work efficiently. As experts in their field, they may be addressing challenges you’re just beginning to notice.
3. Avoid External Disruptions
This might be one of the toughest tips, but it’s crucial: avoid bringing in outside opinions during the process. We all love a good second opinion and may have a family friend that works in construction, but Terri emphasizes many times it hinders the project and can cause alarming delays.
“Inviting others to look for issues can slow everything down. If we’re already ten steps ahead, outside parties might be looking at problems we’ve already solved or are in the process of solving.”
Trust your contractor to handle things—after all, that’s why you hired them. Take the first step by confirming the best form of communication between you and your GC or Project Manager. Communicating effectively helps avoid unnecessary outside interventions, and ensures that the project continues to move forward smoothly and without further delays.
4. Embrace Modern Project Management Tools
If you’ve ever worked on a construction project before, you know how important it is to stay organized. And we know from experience, when there are change orders, multiple sub contractors, and moving parts - things can get messy. Welcome to the reality of Construction! But luckily, in today’s digital world, many contractors use project management software to keep everything on track. “We have a whole software program that updates clients regularly, sometimes every few days, if something changes on the schedule,” says Terri. “It ensures transparency and helps us stay aligned with the homeowner.”
Common Construction Project Management Tools:
Using these tools is a great way for you to stay informed without feeling like you need to micromanage. You can get a clearer view of the project without constant phone calls or in-person check-ins. Plus, you’ll have easy access to updates, schedules, and any changes as the construction project moves forward.
5. Trust in Quality Control Systems
Next, let’s talk about something you might not always think about but is crucial for your peace of mind—quality control. A great contractor doesn’t just get the job done; they make sure it meets high standards.
“We have strict quality control measures to prevent issues from arising, these systems keep the project on track and the quality up to par.”
Pro Tip: Ask your general contractor about their quality control system. A strong sign of reliability is if they have three or more layers of quality control in place.
Trusting your contractor’s quality control system is essential. It helps ensure that the final result exceeds your expectations and is built to last. When your contractor handles quality assurance, you don’t have to worry about the small stuff—it’s already being taken care of behind the scenes.
6. The Role of Your Project Manager
Every project has a leader, and that leader is often your project manager. This person is the glue that holds everything together, ensuring that timelines are met, budgets are managed, and any challenges are addressed before they become major problems.
“It’s okay to ask questions, but know upfront that your project manager is ten steps ahead, already addressing the challenges you haven’t even noticed yet.”
When you rely on your project manager to steer the ship, you can focus on your part of the project and let them handle the rest. No matter how well planned a home build is, problems may arise due to external factors such as weather, and delays in supplies. Construction is a complex process, but with their expertise and leadership, you can rest easy knowing that everything is in good hands.
7. Vet Your General Contractor Carefully
How do you find the right contractor for your project? It starts with doing your homework.
“Look up publicly available records of their permits in Austin to ensure they are established in the area. Social proof, referrals, and a strong reputation are key indicators of a contractor’s reliability.”
When you choose the right contractor, you set yourself up for success. Take the time to review their past work, check references, and ensure they’re licensed, insured, and experienced with your type of project.
Where to find the best general contractors in Austin, Texas:
Pro Tips
- Ask for multiple quotes from different contractors; keep in mind that your initial interactions with the sales and project managers often signal how you’ll be treated during the entire project.
- Read reviews—both good and bad. If there are negative reviews, check to see how the contractor has responded. Professional responses reflect commitment to their customers.
Your Guide to a Successful Construction Journey
As general contractors ourselves, we fully understand the complexities of projects—challenges are inevitable. However, your general contractor is there to turn these stressful situations into success. Working with your general contractor doesn’t have to be stressful. As Terri advises - consistent communication, respecting schedules, avoiding external disruptions, embracing project management tools, trusting in quality control, and relying on a strong project manager are all crucial steps that will facilitate a successful home project.
With the right collaboration, you’ll be prepared to navigate unforeseen challenges and bring your dream project to life with the right construction company. Whether you’re tackling a small home renovation or a large custom design and build, you can trust a team that truly acts as your partner. Keep this guide with you, do some investigating, and best to your successful construction project!
Looking for a local general contractor in Austin or have questions about your home project? Visit Domain Construction to connect with our team. Our experienced project managers are here to guide you through every step and help ensure your project's success.
