Essential Tips for Selecting the Right General Contractor

Throughout my discussions with prospective clients over the years, I've realized that many are unfamiliar with a crucial aspect of the construction process: selecting the right General Contractor. Occasionally, Trebbi Custom Construction and Architecture may not align well with clients who aren't looking for a comprehensive Design-Build service. In such cases, I ensure they not only grasp the construction process but also know how to select the right General Contractor for their project.

Steps to Confirm a General Contractor's Legitimacy in South Florida

Selecting the right general contractor is crucial to ensuring your home addition, custom build, or remodeling project is completed professionally, legally, and on budget. South Florida, known for its luxury real estate and strict building codes, requires contractors to meet specific licensing and insurance requirements. Unfortunately, unlicensed contractors still operate in the area, putting homeowners at risk of poor workmanship, legal trouble, and financial loss.

Before you select a general contractor in South Florida, follow these steps to verify their legitimacy and protect your investment.

1. Check Their Florida State License

In Florida, all general contractors must be licensed by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). This ensures they have the required training, experience, and insurance to legally operate.

How to Verify a License:

1. Visit the DBPR’s license lookup portal: www.myfloridalicense.com

2. Enter the contractor’s name or license number.

3. Confirm that their license is active, valid, and not expired.

✅ Red Flag: If the contractor cannot provide a license number or makes excuses, they may be operating illegally. It is not uncommon an unlicensed individual would use someone else's license to pull permits, etc. so beware.

2. Verify Insurance & Bonding

A legitimate general contractor in South Florida should have:

✔ General Liability Insurance – Protects your property from damages during construction.

✔ Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Covers injuries to workers on-site.

How to Confirm Insurance:

• Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the contractor.

• Call the insurance provider listed on the COI to confirm the policy is active.

✅ Red Flag: If a contractor refuses to provide proof of insurance, you could be liable for accidents or property damage.

3. Check for Complaints & Legal Issues

Researching a contractor’s history helps you avoid hiring someone with a record of disputes, poor workmanship, or unfinished projects.

Where to Check for Complaints:

📌 Better Business Bureau (BBB): www.bbb.org – View ratings, complaints, and customer reviews.

📌 Florida DBPR: Check for disciplinary actions or license suspensions.

✅ Red Flag: Multiple complaints or legal disputes may indicate shady business practices.

4. Review Online Reviews & References

A reputable South Florida general contractor will have positive reviews and a portfolio of completed projects.

How to Verify Reputation:

• Google Reviews & Yelp – Read real customer feedback.

• Houzz  – Check for detailed project reviews.

• Ask for References – Contact past clients and ask:

  
  

  ✅ Was the project completed on time and budget?

  
  

  ✅ Were there any hidden fees or issues?

  
  

  ✅ Would you hire them again?

✅ Red Flag: If a contractor has no online presence or refuses to provide references, it’s a major warning sign.

5. Confirm They Pull Permits

In South Florida, permits are required for most construction and remodeling projects, including new builds, additions, renovations and structural changes. A legitimate contractor will:

✔ Handle the permit application process on your behalf.

✔ Be listed as the contractor of record on the permit.

✔ Ensure all work passes county inspections.

How to Verify Permits:

• Contact your local building department to confirm a permit has been filed under the contractor’s name.

• Check Florida’s online permitting portals for active permits.

✅ Red Flag: If a contractor asks you to pull the permit, they may be unlicensed or trying to avoid liability.

6. Get a Detailed Contract in Writing

A professional general contractor will provide a detailed written contract outlining:

✔ Scope of work – Exact details of materials, labor, and completion timeline.

✔ Payment schedule – Should be milestone-based, not paid upfront in full.

✔ Warranty information – Coverage for workmanship and materials.

✅ Red Flag: If a contractor only offers a verbal agreement, walk away.

7. Avoid Common Contractor Scams

South Florida has seen its share of contractor fraud, especially after hurricanes or major weather events. Be aware of these common scams:

🚩 Upfront Payment Scams: Legitimate contractors do not require full payment upfront.

🚩 Low-Ball Estimates: Be wary of estimates significantly lower than others—it could mean hidden costs later.

🚩 Unlicensed “Handymen” Doing Major Work: If someone claims a license is not needed, verify with the DBPR.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself & Your Home

Hiring a licensed and reputable general contractor is essential for a successful construction or remodeling project. By taking the time to verify their license, insurance, permits, and reputation, you can avoid scams and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

At Trebbi Custom Construction and Architecture, we are a fully licensed and insured firm with over 30 years of experience in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida. Whether you’re building a custom home, renovating, or expanding, we focus on quality craftsmanship, transparency, and trust.

📞 Need a Trusted General Contractor that happens to also be a Registered Architect? Call Trebbi Custom Construction and Architecture at (954) 765-5551 Today!

📧 Email: kathy@trebbi.net

Have specific questions about a project? Call Kathy at (954)649-4568