Hiring Smart: Finding the Right General Contractor episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 28, 2025 · 31 MIN

Hiring Smart: Finding the Right General Contractor

from Home Design Chat with Nancy · host Nancy Hugo

In this episode, I will get into one of the most critical steps in any successful remodel or construction project: hiring the right general contractor. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade, or a full home renovation, choosing the right GC can make or break your project. I discuss the essential questions to ask, what red flags to avoid, and how to tell if a contractor is the right fit for you.Some of my talking points:Do the preliminary homework (work with a designer & specify finishes/projects)Do get referralsDon’t be afraid to ask questions: is he/she insured, bondedInterview the contractor in personContractor has to communicate by text, phone, emailVisit jobsite of recent work & work in progressIs jobsite cleanIf you are doing a kitchen remodel, you want to see the kitchens the contractor has done.If you are not comfortable with the person--DO NOT HIRE HIM/HERCheck references - you want to know the pros and consQuality of work, I have done many podcasts describing quality of work...listen to themFlexibility of schedule   what time do they start  Does GC have tile setters, electricians, plumbers, finish carpentersIf you plan on doing some work yourself, is GC ok with that  Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of the project I spoke about in this podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugoCheck out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.  If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

In this episode, I will get into one of the most critical steps in any successful remodel or construction project: hiring the right general contractor. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade, or a full home renovation, choosing the right GC can make or break your project. I discuss the essential questions to ask, what red flags to avoid, and how to tell if a contractor is the right fit for you.Some of my talking points:Do the preliminary homework (work with a designer & specify finishes/projects)Do get referralsDon’t be afraid to ask questions: is he/she insured, bondedInterview the contractor in personContractor has to communicate by text, phone, emailVisit jobsite of recent work & work in progressIs jobsite cleanIf you are doing a kitchen remodel, you want to see the kitchens the contractor has done.If you are not comfortable with the person--DO NOT HIRE HIM/HERCheck references - you want to know the pros and consQuality of work, I have done many podcasts describing quality of work...listen to themFlexibility of schedule   what time do they start  Does GC have tile setters, electricians, plumbers, finish carpentersIf you plan on doing some work yourself, is GC ok with that  Go to my Youtube channel to view the video of the project I spoke about in this podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/@NancyHugoCheck out DesignersCircleHQ.com for all the latest in design.  Send me your email if you would like to have Designers Circle sent to you bi-monthly.This podcast is sponsored by ⁠Monogram.com⁠Please email me at [email protected] for questions and suggestions on design topics you would like to learn about.  If you want to learn more about me, go to ⁠NancyHugo.com

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Hiring Smart: Finding the Right General Contractor

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This episode is 31 minutes long.

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This episode was published on July 28, 2025.

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In this episode, I will get into one of the most critical steps in any successful remodel or construction project: hiring the right general contractor. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade, or a full home renovation,...

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