Finding the right general contractor

Selecting the right general contractor (GC) is one of the most important decisions in any real estate project. A capable GC protects the construction budget, keeps timelines on track, and significantly reduces execution risk.

For investors and developers, the qualification process should focus on capability, transparency, and process — not simply on the lowest bid.

Why the General Contractor Matters

A general contractor sits at the center of project execution. Their responsibilities extend beyond construction itself to include coordination of trades, schedule management, cost control, and problem-solving as conditions change on site.

Weak execution at the GC level often leads to:

• Budget overruns

• Delays caused by poor coordination or material planning

• Design revisions late in the process

• Increased risk exposure for investors

For this reason, proper vetting is essential before construction begins.

Core Qualifications to Look for in a General Contractor

Licensing and Insurance

A legitimate GC must carry:

• An active state contractor’s license

• General liability insurance

• Workers’ compensation coverage

These documents should be readily available. Any hesitation or delay in providing proof is a clear red flag and exposes the project to unnecessary legal and financial risk.

Relevant Project Experience

Experience should be evaluated based on project similarity, not total years in construction.

A qualified contractor should be able to demonstrate:

• Completed projects comparable in scope and complexity

• Project photos and addresses

• References from recent clients

General construction experience is not a substitute for direct experience with similar asset types, entitlement constraints, or construction methods.

Transparent Budgeting and Cost Control

Clear budgeting is critical to avoiding cost overruns.

A professional GC provides:

• Itemized estimates with defined assumptions

• Clear scope boundaries

• Visibility into material and labor costs

Vague lump-sum pricing often hides uncertainty. If costs are unclear at the beginning of a project, they rarely become clearer once construction is underway.

Timeline Management and Process Clarity

Beyond pricing, a reliable GC should be able to clearly explain:

• The overall construction timeline

• Key milestones

• Material lead times

• How delays, changes, and unforeseen conditions are handled

If a contractor cannot articulate their process, they are unlikely to manage execution effectively once the project is underway.

Communication and Professionalism

Consistent communication is often one of the strongest predictors of project success.

Investors should evaluate:

• Responsiveness

• Clarity of explanations

• Willingness to document decisions and changes in writing

Poor communication early in the relationship usually escalates into larger issues during construction.

The Advantage of an In-House General Contractor Model

At MOO Capital, we take a different approach. Rather than outsourcing construction, we operate as our own general contractor with a fully in-house construction team.

This structure allows us to:

• Directly control costs

• Manage timelines more efficiently

• Reduce coordination risk between development and execution

By eliminating handoffs between third parties, we gain greater visibility and accountability throughout the build process.

Integrating Design, Construction, and Leasing from Day One

One of the key benefits of an in-house model is early alignment.

During the design phase, we are already evaluating:

• Construction feasibility

• Development sequencing

• Product positioning for future tenants

Unit layouts, circulation, storage, and shared spaces are designed with both construction efficiency and leasing demand in mind. By the time construction begins, these decisions are already defined, reducing the need for reactive changes later.

Shortening Lease-Up and Stabilization Timelines

As construction documents progress, leasing strategy development happens in parallel.

Marketing drawings, unit plans, and leasing materials are prepared early, allowing leasing efforts to begin as a project nears completion. This integrated workflow helps shorten vacancy periods and accelerate asset stabilization.

A Coordinated Execution Chain

For us, design, development, construction, and leasing are not separate phases. They are part of a single, coordinated execution chain.

Maintaining an in-house GC capability allows us to deliver:

• Greater execution certainty

• Tighter cost and schedule control

• Reduced risk across the development lifecycle

This integrated approach is central to how we protect capital and deliver consistent outcomes for our investors.