How do I choose a trustworthy general contractor?

Compare the public evidence on each profile: how many independent reviews they have and across how many named sources, the rating and how recent it is, any credential evidence, and the company status. A general contractor backed by several named sources is harder to fake than one found in only one place.

Does MyTrustedTraders rank or recommend general contractors for payment?

No. There are no ads and no paid placement. General contractors are ranked only by the strength of independent public evidence. No one can pay to rank higher, add a badge, or change their reviews.

Where do the reviews come from?

They're imported from named public review sources and always shown with the source named. They aren't reviews written on MyTrustedTraders. We cross-check the same business across sources rather than creating new reviews.

What should I check before hiring a general contractor?

Confirm credentials and insurance directly with the general contractor, get a written quote, and run the Cowboy Checker on the business first. MyTrustedTraders helps you shortlist on the evidence. It doesn't replace your own checks before you hire.

General contractors in the United States

1,965 general contractors across the United States, each compared on their portfolio, credential evidence, past work and reviews: the evidence that matters before a project you'll live with. Add your area below to compare their work near you.

No ads · No paid placement · Ranked on evidence only

Showing the top 12 of 1,965 general contractors, sorted by Trust Score.

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Callen Construction, Inc

Muskego

GloRem

Randallstown

What to check when hiring general contractors in the United States

MyTrustedTraders ranks on independent public evidence. No ads, no paid placement. Use these checks alongside the evidence on each profile before you decide who to contact.

Contractor licensing in the US is set by each state (and sometimes the city or county). For electrical, plumbing, HVAC or any major build, confirm the trade is licensed on your state's licensing board before hiring. Unlicensed work where a license is required can void permits and insurance and leave you no recourse.
Ask for a lien waiver as you pay each stage: in most US states an unpaid contractor or subcontractor can place a mechanic's lien on your home even if you already paid the main contractor, and a signed waiver is your protection.
Ask to see a portfolio of completed work like yours, plus recent references you can contact.
Check the credentials and registrations that matter for this work, and that they are current.
Get a written, itemized quote with scope, assumptions and a staged payment schedule.

How to judge a general contractor

Independent, no-ads guidance. The trade-specific checks that matter most, the warning signs, and what to ask before you hire. Use it alongside each contractor’s public evidence above.

Verify before you hire

Most states license general contractors above a dollar threshold: verify the license is active and the contractor's bond is current on your state board (for example the CSLB in California).
Confirm general liability insurance and workers' compensation for the crew and subs; a surety bond gives you recourse if the job is abandoned.
Protect yourself from mechanic's liens by requiring lien waivers (releases) from every subcontractor and material supplier as you pay.
Use a written contract with a payment schedule tied to completed milestones, the permit responsibility, and a clear change-order process.

Warning signs of a rogue contractor

Asks for a large up-front deposit: several states cap it (California limits it to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less).
No license number, no bond, or no written contract: just a handshake and cash.
Won't provide lien waivers from subs, leaving you exposed to a lien even after you've paid.
Pressure to start immediately, or a bid far below all the others.

Questions to ask before you hire

What is your state contractor license and bond number so I can verify them?
Do you and your subcontractors carry liability and workers' compensation insurance?
Will you provide lien waivers from every sub and supplier as I make payments?
Who pulls the permits, and how is the payment schedule tied to milestones?

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a trustworthy general contractor?: Compare the public evidence on each profile: how many independent reviews they have and across how many named sources, the rating and how recent it is, any credential evidence, and the company status. A general contractor backed by several named sources is harder to fake than one found in only one place.
Does MyTrustedTraders rank or recommend general contractors for payment?: No. There are no ads and no paid placement. General contractors are ranked only by the strength of independent public evidence. No one can pay to rank higher, add a badge, or change their reviews.
Where do the reviews come from?: They're imported from named public review sources and always shown with the source named. They aren't reviews written on MyTrustedTraders. We cross-check the same business across sources rather than creating new reviews.
What should I check before hiring a general contractor?: Confirm credentials and insurance directly with the general contractor, get a written quote, and run the Cowboy Checker on the business first. MyTrustedTraders helps you shortlist on the evidence. It doesn't replace your own checks before you hire.

More ways to check who to trust

Free, independent checks. No ads, no paid placement.

Rogue Contractor Check
Spot the warning signs of a dishonest business before you hire.
Company Health Check
Check whether the company behind a business is active, dissolved, or in liquidation.
License Check
A license number from a van or quote, checked against every public register included here in one search.

Or browse contractors by trade All checks and tools