What can a residential basic contractor do in Georgia?

A Residential Basic Contractor license in Georgia authorizes construction, improvement, and repair of one- and two-family residential structures not over three stories. That covers new home builds, cabin renovations, additions, detached garages, and accessory structures. The license is issued by the Georgia Secretary of State's licensing board and requires passing a state exam, bonding, and insurance.

Do general contractors have to be licensed in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia law requires general contractors performing residential or commercial construction to hold a valid license through the Secretary of State. Working without a license is a misdemeanor, and homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors lose their legal protections if something goes wrong. Verify any contractor's license status on the Georgia SOS website before signing a contract.

How much do general contractors charge in Georgia?

Most Georgia general contractors charge 10-20% of total project cost for residential work, according to HomeAdvisor. Complex projects with significant site work (mountain lots, septic installation, land clearing) can run 15-25%. The fee covers project management, scheduling, permitting, inspections, insurance, and warranty.

What are red flags when hiring a contractor?

Watch for these warning signs: no state license number provided, asking you to pull permits in your own name, no written contract or scope of work, demanding large upfront deposits (over 10% of project cost), no proof of insurance, inability to provide local references, and pressure to start immediately without a permit. In the Blue Ridge area, also be cautious of contractors with no local project history you can verify.

What is the most common contractor mistake?

The most common mistake is poor sequencing. Trades that start out of order cause rework, failed inspections, and timeline blowouts. In mountain construction, this often shows up as framing that begins before the septic system is approved, which can force a full stop if the septic layout conflicts with the building footprint. A good GC prevents this by managing the inspection and approval sequence from day one.

How do I hire a contractor in Blue Ridge GA if I live out of state?

Remote cabin owners in Blue Ridge should look for a GC with a documented project portfolio, verifiable Georgia license, local references, and clear communication process. We wrote a full guide on hiring a contractor remotely that covers the specific steps, from initial video walkthrough to progress photo updates and inspection documentation. A good general contractor makes one phone call replace a dozen. In the Blue Ridge mountain market, where terrain, weather, and permit requirements add complexity that flat-land construction doesn't have, that coordination is worth every dollar of the GC fee. If you're planning a cabin renovation, new build, or land development project in Fannin County or the surrounding North Georgia mountains, request a free estimate or call FTH Construction at (470) 270-4681. We'll walk through the scope, timeline, and cost before any work begins. FTH Construction is a licensed general contractor serving Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Lumpkin, and Towns counties. All permit, licensing, and code information in this article reflects current Georgia requirements as of June 2026. Verify specific requirements with the Fannin County Building Department and the Georgia Secretary of State for your project.

What Does a General Contractor Do in Blue Ridge GA?