Contract This: What Does a Residential Contractor Do?

Whether you're looking to remodel your kitchen or add on a bathroom to make a master suite, finding a reliable residential contractor is essential. You want a licensed professional that is experiencing in remodeling and renovating to be in charge of your home project. 



But, what's the difference between a general contractor and a residential one? Do you need both? Can you get by with a handyman?

This guide will go over what residential contractors are and why you need one for your next home improvement project. 

What's a Residential Contractor?

A residential contractor renovates and builds homes from beginning to end. They work to secure necessary permits, supervise the labor of their crew, and hire specialized subcontractors as needed. They'll also schedule inspections you need throughout your project. 

A general contractor is similar to a residential contractor. Both individuals oversee a project, but a residential general contractor deals mostly with the construction of residential buildings, like a house. 

Some of the qualifications and roles of a residential remodeling contractor include:

• Overseeing construction
• Handling paperwork
• Needs to have worked many years as a general contractor
• Adheres to necessary quality assurance
• Evaluates structural integrity
• Handles payroll of workers on the job site 
• Deals with emergencies 

A handyman provides different services than both a general and residential contractor. Some of the services include installing new cabinets or replacing bathroom fixtures. For more complex projects, you'll need a residential contractor. 

Under the umbrella of residential contractors, there are different types. They depend upon what the individual specializes in.

New Home Construction

Residential contractors can specialize in building new homes. There are two different types of new home construction residential contractors:

• Type 1: Buys lots and build homes that are custom designed
• Type 2: Build a home on a lot that was purchased by their client 

The second type of residential contractor, they're usually not involved in the design process. Their client works with an architect and engineer to design the home and the builder builds it according to their specifications. 

Additions 

A residential contractor can also add more space to an existing home. This type of contractor needs a lot of experience in this area. It involves the removal of the siding on the outside of the home and attaching the addition to the house's existing frame. 

There are a few different types of home additions:

• Adding on an extra room, like dining room, bathroom, or bedroom
• Expanding a single room in the house
• Sunroom addition 
• Garage conversion 

The cost per square foot for an addition is more than new home construction. This is because your residential contractor will need to remove part of your home's existing structure. They'll also need to match how your house's exterior and the paint look with the new addition so it looks natural. 

Remodeling 

A remodeling contractor upgrades or reconfigures an existing home. Kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms in a home that are typically remodeling. Systems and styles change over time or a homeowner may have recently moved into a home that they want to change to match their aesthetic. 

A residential contractor that specializes in remodeling typically has less specialized experience than one that builds and designs new homes. 

When Should I Hire a Residential Contractor?

If you're looking to have a new home built or want to tackle a fairly complex home renovation or addition, you should look into hiring a residential contractor. Projects like that typically involve permits and inspections, something a residential contractor is equipped in dealing with. 

For example, think about if you're having your kitchen remodeled. This type of project could include:

• Knocking down walls
• Swapping out appliances
• Adding a sink
• Upgrading the flooring
• Installing new windows

For this type of project, you'll need electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and painters. You'll also need a building permit and inspections on the plumbing and electrical work. A residential contractor can supervise all of these activities, handling everything for you. 

Licenses and Qualifications Needed 

In the state of Florida, a residential contractor needs a specific license. They have to pass a construction examination for the state of Florida. 

A residential contractor can sometimes have a high school diploma, but some individuals can have degrees in engineering, building science, or construction management. Advanced education can be beneficial, depending upon your project. 

Hands-on experience is also important when hiring a residential contractor. The more years of experience they have, the more skills they'll bring to your project. 

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Residential Contractor 

Whether you're embarking on a kitchen renovation or looking for a residential contractor to build your home from the ground up, it's a big decision. You're investing a lot of money and entrusting the entire process to someone else. 

Below are some questions you can ask potential contractors when looking for the best match:

• What licenses do you have?
• How many building permits have you gotten over the past two years?
• Note: This shows you if they're familiar with the building requirements that are specific to your city and area
• Do you have any references?
• What kinds of insurance do you have?
• What's your projected timeline?
• What sub-contractors do you hire out to?
• How do you supervise your projects?
• What's the payment schedule?
• What does your crew's typical workday look like?
• Are you going to get all the necessary permits and schedule inspections?

These types of questions will help you get a better grasp of the qualifications and experience of the contractor you're speaking with. You want them to be confident with every answer they give you. 

Connect With MK2 Design + Build Today

If you've recently searched for "residential contractors near me," look no further. We have a highly qualified residential contractor on our team that is experienced in whatever type of project you'd like to achieve.

Contact our office today for a quote.