If you’re getting ready to embark on a new remodeling project, you may have decided to hire a building contractor to help proceed with the job. Having a contractor take over a remodel from start to finish will ensure that the work is done professionally and up to code. While mistakes can happen and unforeseen circumstances can arise, it’s important to stay on top of things to prevent an unnecessary disaster.
Here are a few tips on dealing with your contractor during the entire job:
Full-Service Company
Is the contractor that you’re hiring a full-service construction agency? Ion Solar is one example of a company that is full-service to meet their customer’s needs. Taking care of the entire project improves quality assurance and boosts morale for both parties. If your contractor is only available to do some parts of the project, it could cost you more in the long run. Hiring more companies to complete jobs or prep work areas such as excavating or clearing debris takes more time and increases liability. Not knowing which company is responsible for certain areas of the project can make it difficult to pinpoint where a problem originated. Make sure that your contractor is clear that they will handle all safety issues and sub-contracting jobs for the entire project if additional help is required.
Keep Lines Of Communication Open
Many contractors only want to speak to you prior to the job and at the end of the project. While this can save time, it’s important to have the right contact information moving forward. Should anything arise such as structural damage while the contractor is away, you’ll need to contact the right person. If there’s a problem with a worker or a timing situation, this will also need to be addressed. Having access to the contractor is extremely important. In some cases, he may give you his personal cell phone for texting or phone calls, but you may only obtain the company’s main phone number. Be sure to ask about the after hours and weekend method of contact. Is it through an answering service? Contact information is important so you can prevent problems from progressing should something come up.
Understanding Your Contract Or Bid Proposal
It’s important to understand exactly what the spectrum of work that will be performed will be. This is found in your bid proposal or contract that your contractor gives to you prior to starting the job. This includes a lot of important information including:
- Total construction costs and fees
- Detailed breakdown of supplies and equipment usage
- Labor costs
- Any additional contractor costs
The total amount due prior to starting construction and what is due at completion will also be listed. Knowing exactly what your contractor is doing and how much is being charged is important to know. Calling around for other bids to find a competitive price point is recommended if you feel it’s too high. Don’t forget to ask about the project completion time frame. In addition, you can always ask your attorney to go over any contract prior to signing it.
Ask About Their Project History
Feeling comfortable and confident with your contractor is important. This starts with knowing that you can be assured with the work being done on your home or property. Ask to see a portfolio of their prior work projects. In many cases, you can find this information on their website or through a local business review page. Don’t forget to look up customer testimonials and photos of their completed construction projects.
Recognizing Red Flags
If you’ve never worked with a particular building company before, look for any potential red flags. This could be:
- Showing up late for the initial appointment
- Asking for a cash only down payment
- Not wanting to give out references
- Sub-contracting a lot of the work out to other companies
- Avoiding interaction with you or unable to questions pertaining to the project
If you feel uneasy about the contractor any of the workers, don’t hesitate to put a temporary halt to the job until you have your questions answered.
Utilizing several sources to make sure your construction project is a success is important. It’s up to you to find the best contractor for your project and follow through with any issues throughout the process.
