There are a large number of important factors to consider when you are hiring a general contractor.
After all, the work that they are doing on your property will likely have a major impact on now only how the property feels, but also how its value appreciates. Because of that, it is important to know a couple of pro tips before you start looking at contractors to hire.
Here are some of the best:
Do phone interviews first
Make sure to make the most out of your time and speak with a number of contractors by phone before making in-person meetings. Ask them if they are experienced with the type of job you need done, if they’re willing to provide financial references from suppliers or banks and references from past clients.
These are some of the top questions to ask, you also will want to figure out how you two communicate and understand one another right off the bat, as that is an important aspect of a successful professional relationship.
Do some investigation work
Even if they do offer you references from past clients, it is important not to take that entirely at face value. Do some investigative work on your own and search their names or the name of their business online. That way, you will likely get more information – and more honest information – than you may have gotten from your initial conversation with the contractor.
Don’t let price be your only guide
It is certainly important to make sure that you get a fair and honest price for the work you need done, but that does not mean that you should simply jump at the most affordable option. General contractors that are offering work well below market price are often doing so for a reason. If the job you need done is quick and simple, it might be worth it to go with a cheaper option. If, on the other hand, the job you need will take months and make a massive impact on your property and its value, you certainly want to go with a more experienced, well-regarded and possibly more expensive general contractor.
Set a workable timetable
Once you make your decision with a contractor, it is important to make sure that you two agree upon a workable and realistic timetable. One reason to do so is to tamper your expectations and recognize that this work might take several months to do well. More importantly, it is smart to set up a timetable so that the contractor you hire cannot keep extending the timetable and adding to your invoice. Setting up a timetable offers you a better opportunity to negotiate for a more favorable price if the job does end up going over your original timetable.
Make sure you contractor is insured
This is another crucial aspect of a successful hire. Before work begins, make sure that your contractor and anyone else on the worksite is comprehensively insured. This will make sure that if accidents do happen on your site, those working on the project – and you – will be financially protected.
