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Hiring a General Contractor in Las Vegas: Post-COVID Strategies and Navigating the Labor Shortage

The landscape of construction in Las Vegas has been significantly reshaped by the events of recent years. The aftershocks of the pandemic, combined with a persistent labor shortage, have made the process of hiring a general contractor more complex. Homeowners and business owners in the Las Vegas valley need a new set of strategies to ensure they're hiring a reliable, well-staffed, and financially stable company.

Here’s a guide on how to hire a general contractor in Las Vegas in this new environment and how to gauge their ability to handle your project despite the labor shortage.
1. Go Beyond the Bid: The New Due Diligence
While getting multiple bids is always a good practice, your evaluation process needs to go deeper than just the bottom-line price.
Verify Licensing and Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Use the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) website to verify a contractor's license number. The NSCB's license search tool is a crucial first step to ensure you're dealing with a legitimate, bonded, and insured professional. This also provides information on their license classification and any disciplinary actions.
Check Financial Stability: A financially stable contractor is more likely to weather economic fluctuations and is less likely to cut corners or abandon a project. Ask for financial references, such as a list of suppliers or banks they work with. A reputable contractor should not be hesitant to provide this information.
Look for a Track Record of Adaptation: Ask potential contractors about their experience in recent years. How did they handle supply chain issues during the pandemic? What strategies did they employ to keep projects on track? Their answers will reveal their ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.
2. How to Address the Labor Shortage Head-On
The labor shortage is a major concern for both contractors and clients. A contractor with an overstretched workforce may struggle with project timelines, quality control, and communication. Here's how to know if they have enough workers for your project.
Ask Direct and Specific Questions: During your initial interviews, don't shy away from asking pointed questions about their workforce.
"How many other projects do you currently have running, and what is your typical team size for a project like mine?"
"Do you use your own in-house crew, or do you rely on subcontractors? Can you provide a list of your preferred subcontractors and how long you've worked with them?"
"What is your plan for keeping the project staffed if a worker or a subcontractor's crew becomes unavailable?"
Request References for Recent Projects: While past work is a good indicator of quality, references from a project completed in the last one to two years are more telling. The owner of a recent project can provide insight into how the contractor handled delays, managed the schedule, and communicated about labor-related issues. Ask if you can visit a recently completed project to see the quality of work firsthand.
Look for Strong Subcontractor Relationships: A well-established contractor in Las Vegas often has long-standing relationships with reliable subcontractors. These relationships are critical for ensuring a steady and skilled workforce. Ask how they vet their subcontractors and how they handle scheduling conflicts.
Examine the Contract for Staffing Clauses: A well-written contract should include a detailed project timeline, a clear payment schedule, and a process for handling delays. A good contractor will be transparent about their ability to meet the timeline and will be upfront about what happens if labor-related issues cause delays.
3. Red Flags to Watch For
In the post-COVID, labor-scarce environment, certain red flags should raise immediate concerns:
Unrealistic Timelines: If a contractor promises a significantly faster completion time than others, they may be overpromising and understaffing.
Unusually Low Bids: A bid that is far below the competition may indicate that the contractor is cutting corners on labor costs, materials, or is simply not including all the work required.
Reluctance to Provide References: A contractor who won't provide references for recent work or who is evasive about their team and subcontractors is a major red flag.

By asking the right questions, performing thorough due diligence, and carefully evaluating a contractor’s ability to manage their workforce, you can confidently hire a professional who will deliver quality work and a successful project, even in the face of today's unique challenges.