Best General Contractors in Ames, IA

General contractors should be licensed, bonded, and insured in your state. Look for those with strong Google ratings and reviews on projects similar in scope to yours. Request a list of three recent references and follow up — GC quality is highly project-specific.

General contractors typically mark up subcontractor work 10–20% and charge for project management. Kitchen remodels run $30,000–$80,000+; bathroom remodels $15,000–$40,000; room additions $150–$350 per square foot. Get three detailed written bids before selecting.

Kitchen remodels typically take 4–8 weeks. Bathroom remodels take 2–4 weeks. Room additions take 2–4 months. Custom homes take 6–18 months. Timelines depend heavily on permit wait times and subcontractor availability.

Ask for their license number, proof of insurance (general liability + workers' comp), who specifically does the work (subs vs. in-house crew), their permit-pulling process, payment schedule, and how they handle change orders.

All listings are sourced from Google Business Profiles and ranked by real Google ratings and review volume. Confirm contractor licensing with your state board, verify insurance certificates, and check BBB complaint history independently before signing.

Document all issues with photos and written records. Send a formal demand letter invoking the contract terms. File with your state contractor licensing board and consider a mechanics lien if payment was made and work was not completed. Consult a construction attorney for significant disputes.