Hiring general contractors in Massachusetts: what to know
General contractors manage construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, permits, schedules and budgets. A general contractor runs a project from plans to final inspection: pricing the job, pulling permits, scheduling framers, electricians, plumbers and finishers, ordering materials, managing the budget and making sure the work passes inspection.
How much do general contractors cost?
Typical U.S. pricing is $20,000–$150,000 for typical residential projects. What moves the price:
| Cost factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Project scope | Additions and whole-home renovations involve many trades and permits. |
| GC fee | Most GCs charge 10–20% overhead and profit on top of costs. |
| Finish level | Builder-grade versus custom finishes can swing costs dramatically. |
| Design and engineering | Structural changes may require an architect or engineer. |
| Change orders | Mid-project changes are the most common cause of overruns. |
How to hire a general contractor
- Check registration, license and insurance. Ask for proof of registration, liability coverage and workers comp.
- Visit past projects. Ask for addresses or photos of similar completed jobs and references.
- Compare detailed bids. Bids should break out labor, materials, allowances and the GC fee.
- Agree on a payment schedule. Tie payments to completed milestones, not dates.
- Put change orders in writing. Every change should have a signed price and schedule impact.
- Request lien waivers. Collect lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers as you pay.
Red flags to watch for
- Wants a large deposit before any work or permits
- Vague allowances that leave key items unpriced
- Discourages permits
- Cannot name the subcontractors they use
Licensing
Iowa requires contractor registration with the Division of Labor; Minnesota licenses residential building contractors; Wisconsin requires a Dwelling Contractor certification; Nebraska requires state contractor registration. Illinois, Missouri and South Dakota license mainly at the city level.
Best time to hire
Interview GCs in winter to secure a spring or summer start. Interior projects can run year-round, while foundations and framing are best between April and October.
Related services
- RemodelersRemodelers renovate existing homes — kitchens, baths, basements, additions and whole-house updates.
- Home BuildersHome builders construct new single-family homes, from production plans to fully custom designs.
- Excavation ContractorsExcavating contractors handle digging, grading, trenching and site preparation.