Whether you’re embarking on a DIY home remodeling project or need to hire a contractor for a large-scale commercial development, finding the right general contractor is essential. But with so many choices out there, how can you be sure you’re picking the most reliable and reputable one?
Check out these practical tips for hiring a trustworthy general contractor.
1. Don’t forget about your budget
It may seem like common sense, but when you’re choosing a general contractor for your home construction project, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of how much money you want to spend (and can afford) on the project itself before choosing anyone else. It’s also important that you get multiple quotes from different contractors so that you can compare prices and get the best deal possible!
Before seeking quotes, it’s important that you understand how to estimate a general contractor job so that you can make a wise decision based on the estimates you get from different contractors.
2. Check their references
The best way to find out if a contractor is reliable is to get a list of their previous clients, and then call them up to ask about their experience with the company. Ask them if they would hire the contractor again and why or why not. It’s important that you have a clear idea of what kind of work the contractor has done in the past, and how happy their previous customers were with their services.
It also helps to ask the contractor for references of previous clients who are willing to talk with you and share their experiences.
3. Check their license and insurance
You’ll want to make sure that your general contractor is licensed in the state where they are working, and that they have liability insurance. You can check this by contacting your city or county building department, or by checking online.
If the contractor isn’t licensed or if they don’t have liability insurance, then you should definitely find someone else for your project.
4. Look at their portfolio
A general contractor’s portfolio will give you a good indication of what kind of work they are capable of doing, and how well they do it. You should also ask to see pictures of their previous projects—especially if you’re looking to remodel or build something on a large scale.
This will give you an idea of how the project will progress from start to finish, and whether or not the contractor is able to complete everything that needs to be done in a timely manner. If you can find someone with experience working on luxury home renovations, then that’s even better!
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
You should have a list of all the questions you want answered before you even start looking for a general contractor—and make sure that you ask every single one of them! Questions about how long it will take to complete the project, what materials will be used, how much it will cost, etc., are all important things to know before you hire anyone.
Be sure to get everything down on paper before signing any contracts with your general contractor—and don’t be afraid to ask questions while the project is underway either!
You should also make sure that there is a clear plan of action in place so that everyone involved knows exactly what needs to happen when, and who is responsible for what tasks throughout the course of construction. This way, no one gets left behind (or confused) during the process!
Thanks to method.me for consulting on this post.
