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General Building Contractor: How to Find the Right Home Builder

Last Updated on 28/07/2022 by Steve Wanjie

General Building Contractor. All that you need to know about builders is covered here.

Builders and contractors are essential for any construction project.

They help in bringing the vision to life and turning it into a reality.

The question is, what exactly do builders and contractors do?

This article will take you through all the basic things you need to know about them and how they offer necessary services for the construction industry.

  • What is a Builder?
  • What is a Contractor?
  • What Services Do Builders Offer in Construction Projects?
  • What Services Do Contractors Offer in Construction Projects?
  • Do I need a general contractor to build a house in Kenya

What is a General Building Contractor?

A General Building Contractor is a company that provides services for the construction or remodeling of buildings.

These services include but are not limited to construction, design, engineering, demolition, and renovation.

The customer usually contracts the company to perform any work covered in the contract, typically fixed.

The contractor is also responsible for all necessary permits and inspections.

What is a Builder?

A builder is a person who creates something out of various materials.

Builders oversee the construction of homes or buildings, or they may work with wood to make furniture.

They also create things like sculptures, paintings, and pottery.

Builders are a vital part of any project because they are the ones who make the design ideas come to life.

The entire concept of builders can trace back to Ancient Greece, where it all started with stone masonry.

The word “builder” derives from the Greek word “baptis,” which means “to build.”

Builders construct and design new projects and improve upon existing ones by making adjustments as needed for better outcomes.

If you want to be a builder, you need to know how to use a hammer, screwdriver, and other tools.

Building tools - General Building Contractor
Building tools

What is a Contractor?

A building contractor is a person or company responsible for constructing a building or part of a building.

Property developers and construction companies often employ them to carry out the design and construction of buildings.

A contractor needs to be self-employed, meaning they have their own business registered to be eligible for being one.

What Services Do Builders Offer in Construction Projects?

A general contractor is a diverse business that offers many services, such as:
– Construction: Building and renovation
– Land development: Site preparation
– Commercial construction: Office buildings, shopping centers, and more.
– Home Construction: Custom homes or remodeling

A general contractor is also in charge of managing the project and coordinating with the subcontractors to ensure that the project goes smoothly.

An experienced general contractor will be able to offer all of these types of services to their customers.

What type of buildings do general builders Construct?

There are two broad categories of building construction: residential and commercial.

These two categories serve different needs and demographic groups.
Residential buildings are mainly for living purposes, so that they may include amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, etc.

On the other hand, commercial buildings usually provide space for work or business-related activities.

Do You Need a General Contractor to Build a House in Kenya?

Yes. If you are building a big house and you have the capital to hire a general contractor.

If you can afford it, yes is the right thing to do.

No. If you are building a tiny house and don’t have the money to hire a general contractor.

You could use the services of an experienced mason to construct your home. Then you will have to supervise the construction.

Why hiring a general builder is the better option:

General contractors are experts in every aspect of the construction process.

They work with all aspects such as drafting blueprints, hiring subcontractors, and overseeing various aspects of the project.

They assist with everything from site preparation to ordering building supplies and starting construction.

How to Find The Best General Builders in Town?

Before you start looking for someone to build your dream house, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.


First of all, you need to know your budget.

What is the maximum amount that you feel like spending on this project?


Secondly, what size of an area do you want the house to cover? Is it one bedroom or five bedrooms or something in between?


Lastly, how quickly do you want the builder and their team to finish the work on your property?

How to Find The Best General Builder Tips:

If you are planning a construction project, a General Contractor is the right choice for the job.

The building contractor is the person who will oversee the work of their team and supervise it.

A General Contractor is a specialist in building and renovation.

Typically, a General Building Contractor is a company that designs, builds, and renovates buildings.

A general contractor is responsible for the entire construction process, from conceptualizing the project to completion.

  • Ask For References And/Or Past Projects From Potential Builders

One of the most critical aspects of finding a good builder is seeing their previous work and comparing it to your vision.

Therefore, you should ask for references and see if they have any past projects you can look at.

Creative Visuals:


-Ask for references and past projects from potential builders
-See the builders previous work and how it compares to your vision
-Offer them a detailed scope of what you want
-Find someone who is reliable, responsive, and able to meet deadlines

  • Must be a trained and qualified contractor

While a general building contractor is an indispensable asset, they should be familiar with legal terminology and construction basics.

In addition, they should be knowledgeable about the building industry and the legal requirements in their state.

  • Check the Licensing: must be a licensed operator

In California, a General Building Contractor must have the suitable license classification to do the work.

A “B” license holder may not perform fire protection, water well drilling, and other trades, unlike a licensed general contractor.

To avoid being charged with a criminal offense, a General Building Contractor must obtain a special permit in each transaction.

Therefore, a “B” license holder may not perform these trades.

In addition, a “B” contractor cannot do structural repairs or plumbing.

  • Must be a registered service provider


A general building contractor must be registered and licensed to do the job.

If a general contractor does not have a license, it may be a scam.

  • Must be a trained and qualified contractor
  • Ensure That A Builder’s Professional Qualifications Are in Line With What You Need to be Done

    Whether a building contractor is certified by the state or not, they should have several professional certifications.

    When selecting a builder, whether you are hiring one for new construction, renovations, or repairs, it is essential to ensure that the person has the qualifications required for the scope of work.

    In addition, you should have a clear understanding of the specific services you need to be done and what qualifications are needed to do them.


    A builder’s professional qualifications dictate what they can legally do for you.

    A homeowner should know what they want to be done, who will be doing it and how much it will cost before they start signing contracts.

    • Must have accumulated several years in building experience

    In addition to these, they should have experience in the construction industry.

    A general contractor must be familiar with building and construction laws

    In addition, they should have a thorough understanding of the law.

    • Request A Written Estimate And Review It For Accuracy

    A written estimate is a formal agreement between the client and the contractor.

    It includes the details of the project, which are finalized through discussions, revisions, and sign-off.

    Conclusion: Why You Should Utilize the Expertise of an Experienced General Contractor

    Building something by yourself is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor.

    Not only that, but the quality of the end result will largely depend on your skill level.

    That’s why it’s often better for someone who isn’t an expert to hire a general contractor to take care of the process for them.

    In conclusion, you should hire a general contractor to save time, money, and the stress of building the project from scratch.

    How to build a house in Kenya

    Questions to Ask Before Starting Building A House in Kenya

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    By Steve Wanjie

    Steve Wanjie is a digital marketing specialist, SEO Expert, expert article writer, blogger, sex educationist, and businessman. He is the founder of Dijito Marketing and Laikipo.com. He works and lives in Nairobi Kenya.

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