How to Manage General Contractors
Clear expectations and contracts protect your renovation investment. Sean Bailey shares how to hire, manage, and pay contractors so your project stays on track.
Before You Hire: Vetting
- License & Insurance: Verify with Florida DBPR. No license = no contract.
- References: Call 3+ past clients about timeline and budget adherence.
- Google Reviews: One bad review is normal. Multiple "didn't finish" reviews = red flag.
- Bonding: Ask if bonded. Protects you if contractor disappears mid-project.
The Contract Must Include
- Detailed Scope: Item-by-item breakdown, not vague "remodel kitchen"
- Timeline with Penalties: Include cost per day for delays
- Fixed Price: "No changes without written change order"
- Payment Schedule: 25/25/25/25 at milestones, never pay in full upfront
During the Project
Weekly check-ins, photo timeline, respect the schedule. If work slows down, call immediately — don't wait until end of project. No changes without a written change order.
Contractor Recommendations
Sean has funded hundreds of renovations and knows which contractors deliver on time and on budget.
Email Sean
Sean Bailey
Licensed Mortgage Broker · Founder, The Lending Lab
Sean has funded $100M+ in loans across all income types. He specializes in fix-and-flip financing, bank statement mortgages, HELOCs, and creative solutions for investors and self-employed borrowers.
Sean@thelendinglab.com · (678) 231-2462 · www.thelendinglab.com