Hiring a General Contractor: Everything You Need to Know
Calling all business owners and homeowners in South Florida! Are you in need of a general contractor? Before doing so, there’s some important information that you need to be aware of prior to hiring general contractor services. For business owners and homeowners, hiring a general contractor can be a frustrating problem, but doing your research before making that big decision usually leads to a more positive outcome. For your next big home improvement project consider these things when interviewing and hiring a general contractor.
How to Hire a Good General Contractor
When hiring a general contractor, you must ask yourself a series of questions before the interview process itself. First, ask yourself this question. What do you need to be done in your house or business? General contractor services help customers out with multiple home improvement needs. Find a contractor who is specialized in a specific field.
- Contractors are hired for:
● Kitchen and Bath Remodel
● Roofing
● Plumbing
● Flooring and Tiling
● Painters/Wallpaper installation
● Electrical and more
Do Your Research
Here’s where research is very necessary. For general contractors that have their own webpage or Facebook page, read through the reviews. Check with friends, colleagues and family, too. For all that you know the business that you hired did the worst job on somebody’s house. Opinion matter. Write down about 5 possible contractors and then call them. Websites like Home Advisor provide vetted customer reviews of local general contractors that are a great resource for comparing services as well.
Questions to Ask Their Contractor
The test to see if this contractor qualifies begins the moment they pick up the phone. How they speak to you matters. The company should care about customers’ needs rather than going to work quickly to receive payment. Write down important information that will aid you in your choice.
- Questions to Ask
● How long has the company been in business?
● Do they have a list of references?
● How fast can they start the job?
● Are they licensed to work in the area?
● What does payment look like?
Talk About the Payment
Now it is time to talk about payment. Sometimes it’s not all about which contracting business is the cheapest. Negotiate a payment before any work begins. Every contractor is different.
Here’s what you should never do for payment methods:
NEVER pay in cash. Any contractor who asks for you to pay in cash is likely a scam
Pay with a check or credit card. Paying with a credit card is your best option. You have more options if things don’t turn out the way you wanted. You can work things out with your bank company
Larger projects are financed. Here’s where you need to have good communication with your contractor. Be sure that your contract states that the contract is void until all financing has been approved.
What Does the Contract Look Like?
Write all the details on what you want to be done in a contract. That way if something goes wrong, you have legal action to prove your case.
- What is in a Contract?
● Contact information
● Schedule
● Payment plan/method
● All the names of companies and explorers
● Supplies used
What Happens During the Project?
This is the time where the contractor is getting the work done. Stay around as much as possible. If it’s a case where you cannot stay in the house because of repairs, remain close by. Keep detailed records of all accounts in a folder. This is also a good time to take plenty of photographs.
Once the Project Has Been Completed
It’s the contractor’s duty to clean the job site once everything is finished. Now it is your turn to make a clear inspection. Did they do it right? Is this what you agreed to? Approving the work is a big step in the deal.
Keep all those papers on hand so that you have proof that everyone who worked on the project got paid. Cech on this because according to laws in some states subcontractors are allowed payment. If they are not paid then there is a chance you could be sued. Ask your contractor about everyone who is involved.
Use a checklist:
- Has all work met the requirements of the contract
- You have written warranties for all material and workmanship
- Proof that all subcontractors have been paid
- The job site has been cleaned thoroughly. All work materials are removed
- You have done a complete inspection of the area
Resolve Any Issues
Don’t leave any issues unresolved. Be vocal about how you feel about the finished project. If there are any major concerns about anything, resolve them with your contractor. Not with a physical fight, but with calm words.
For anybody who has a difficult time with a contractor who will not communicate a request for assistance by a state attorney or with a home builders association.
For more information on hiring a genereal contractor, give us a call, and speak with one of our experts today.