You may have some projects around your home or business that you need to get started on, and you already know you are going to need the help of a contractor. If you don’t already have a relationship with a contractor that you trust, the first step is to find someone you feel you can rely on. Here are some things you should know before hiring a contractor:
Reputation
- Ask your designer, architect, or neighbors to recommend some builders that you can contact. Your friends and neighbors may have had work done recently, and they will be happy to let you know if they did or did not like the contractor they worked with. When talking with these recommended builders, you can share your set of plans and specifications you discuss with your contractor so that you can receive appropriate pricing.Â
Interview
- Make sure you are picking someone you trust and someone that you can easily communicate with. During your first meetings, question them as to how unexpected issues will be handled, such as change orders or design challenges.Â
Research
- Look into their previous projects to make sure they were done as contracted and that they were completed on time before you sign any contractual agreement.
Insurance
- Make sure your chosen contractor is properly bonded and insured. Accidents are an unfortunate part of the construction business with all those moving pieces and all the people involved, so make sure your contractor is sufficiently covered should the worst happen.
Extras
- Your contractor may not have priced some items, such as bathroom accessories and such. These are known as extras, and you will want to ask your contractor how he deals with extras. You don’t want to find out later that your contractor is in the habit of using extras to get as much money from the project as possible.Â
Timeline
- Find out how long your contractor thinks your project will take, and then add eight additional weeks. This will help to manage your expectations. Always keep in mind that unforeseen incidents and situations happen pretty consistently during construction projects, so be ready.Â
If you’re thinking about hiring a contractor, Ascension General Contractors is here to help you with your construction needs. Call us today or visit our website, and let’s get going on all your projects.