If you’re planning to construct a house, a commercial space or even a public works structure, choosing the right contractor is vital. The contractor will play the most important role in determining the direction of the build more than any other factor. So how do you go about choosing the right contractor? Well, we’ve made it easy for you to narrow it down. Simply ask these questions and use the answers provided to gauge the best candidate for the job.
Are you insured and licensed?
Because construction builds cost quite a bit of money, you want your general contractor to be legally qualified to undertake the work. One major legal requirement needed is licensing. The contractor needs to be licensed to carry out such builds within the particular state you’re in. Secondly, they need to be insured. An insured builder is a much safer bet because you’ll be compensated should they fail to complete the build or should they cause any type of damage during construction.
Have you undertaken similar builds before?
The right contractor also needs to have the needed capacity to undertake the project. You don’t want to pick a company that is way over its head due to a lack of experience and the skills to do what’s needed. The right contractor should be the one who has undertaken similar projects many times before. Such a contractor will be better placed to pick the right workers for the team, the right equipment, the right materials, etc. They’ll also be able to deliver what you want and on time without running into amateurish troubles.
What ideas can you contribute to make my project better?
Expert contractors will not only build as per your plans, they will also offer insights on how to make your build even better than you thought it could be. They can offer you ideas on how to reduce expenses, how to cut the construction time, how to make your property more eco friendly, how to increase your floor space, etc. A contractor who has no ideas for your build is definitely not qualified for the job.
Do you have any references that will vouch for you?
And of course, a good contractor will have many happy customers whom they are willing to connect you with so that you can get their testimonials. The references will give you firsthand accounts of what it was like to deal with the contractors. This information will help you to eliminate those contractors whose customers did not enjoy their experience, e.g. not working within the set budget, extending deadlines, not delivering what was promised, etc.
How much time are you able to devote to this project?
Time and deadlines are a common cause for concern and conflict during many builds. Most of the time construction builds are not completed on time simply because the contractor is balancing many projects at the same time. This is why it’s important to ask them about their availability. Their answer will enable you to gauge if they can dedicate enough time to see your project completed in good time.
