Selecting the proper general contractor is critical to the success of the project. It can make you pretty anxious when we’re trying to pick a general contractor. When we decide to take on a construction project, it is a huge undertaking. It is expensive and emotionally draining. We hope for the best, but we worry and feel anxious throughout.
If you need to pick a general contractor, you may be looking for some guidance. Here are 5 steps to help you discern the professionals from the clowns and get the best contractor that you can.
Step 1 - Ask for Proof of Insurance
Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance (WC) is something you want your general contractor to have. The lack of insurance indicates a lack of responsibility and reliability. Additionally, if someone gets hurt while working on your project, your contractor’s insurance will protect you. Additionally, the liability insurance protects in case of construction defects and disputes. A general contractor who is reliable and trustworthy–which is the only kind you want to hire–will gladly show you his proof of insurance and his limits.
Number 2- The second thing you should do is check out their licensing paperwork.
California requires contractors and companies who are looking to do construction work to be licensed. The Contractor State License Board provides the license. You can go to the Contractor State License Board website, enter the contractor’s name and find out if the license is in order and valid. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is not a good idea. It can cause lots of problems and if there are issues it makes seeking legal remedy much more difficult.
Step 3 - Review the References
You always need to check your contractor’s references. Now, more than likely, your contractor is not going to give you bad references. You still need to review the reference letters and call the people who have had work done so you can get all the necessary information to make an informed decision. It would also be a good idea to check out your state’s Better Business Bureau website to see if the contractor has any unresolved issues with other clients. This is a good rule of thumb no matter where you are doing business.
Step 4 - Look at his portfolio of previous work
Going over the contractor’s list of previous projects will give you an idea of what type of building experience he has. Most contractors are specialists since the different construction industries have very specific requirements. Someone who typically handles large commercial projects, say a strip mall, may not be qualified to build a home. Certain fields, such as hospitals and restaurants, require an in-depth and very particular knowledge in order to work in that area.
Step 5 - Interview the Candidate
The candidates may all look great on paper, but you need to find one that you feel you can work with. You’ll need to find a contractor who can share your vision and relate to your view point. A good interview, whether in person or over the phone, will help you decide how well you can work with the contractor. Pay attention to such attributes as communication skills, biases and beliefs, and other personal qualities to find that perfect contractor for your job.
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Tags: contractor, Family, home, home improvement, home repair
