For Architects · Free Download

Specifying a General Contractor

The contractor you specify can protect your design — or quietly erode it. This short guide covers how to choose a GC who defends your intent and your client's budget, and the questions to ask before you recommend one. Built from how we partner with design teams across PA, NJ & DE.

Protect the design
How the right GC defends your intent through value engineering instead of gutting it.
Bring the builder in early
What constructability and budget input in schematic/DD actually catches.
What to look for in a GC
Licensing, preconstruction capability, transparency, and communication standards.
Questions to ask
A short checklist to vet any GC before you recommend one to a client.
Red flags
The warning signs that a builder will create problems for your drawings.
How design-assist works
A simple model for collaborating from concept through closeout.
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