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 don’t want to become the victim of a scam, then you need to continue reading this 5-step fool-proof plan which will prevent you from making common mistakes when choosing a general contractor.
Number One- The first thing that you need to do is check out their insurance.
Depending on which state you live in, your general contractor should have a minimum insurance policy that not only protects you, but also protects him and his workers. If one of his workers gets hurt on your work site, you should not be held liable for that action. He or she should also have liability insurance which protects you from any shoddy work that could be done. When you ask your general contractor if they have this type of insurance, they should be able to give you a definite “Yes,” and should not quibble about sharing that information with you.
Number 2- The second thing you should do is check out their licensing paperwork.
California, New York, Florida, and almost every other state require construction companies to have a license. Each state has its own agency that is charged with overseeing this process, but in California, that agency is the Contractor State License Board. To check on your contractor’s status, simply go the Board’s website and type in the contractor’s name. You’ll be able to see if the contractor has a license and if he is still in good standing.
Step 3 – Review the References
It may seem like a waste of time to ask for references, because really, why would someone ever give you the name of a reference who won’t have good things to say about them? However, many people do just that. This is either because they assume you are not going to actually call the reference or they do not know the reference is going to have something bad to say. It’s crucial to call the references listed and ask detailed questions. This will let you know whether or not the contractor can handle your job.
Number 4- You need to ask your contractor is they have pictures of previous construction 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.
Number 5- You should always, always talk with the contractor before you hire them.
It’s important to have a face-to-face conversation with your general contractor to gauge how the two of you get along. Construction is stressful and any cracks in the communication styles you both have will grow wider as the project progresses. The attitude of your general contractor will definitely play a role as the project goes on. If he is unpleasant or his demeanor is unfriendly during the initial interview, that will only get worse as the construction progresses.
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