When planning a construction project, you want to hire the best contractor. But, how do you find the right contractor for your project? Here are useful tips on how to hire a contractor for your project.
Get Recommendations
Ask your family and friends whether they know a reliable contractor that they can recommend. You can also check with the national association of remodelers. Building inspectors can also recommend reliable contractors. What’s more, the local lumberyard can also recommend a contractor. Getting recommendations from the people that you trust is a good point to start your search for a contractor.
Conduct Phone Interviews
Once you have recommendations, conduct phone interviews. Call the contractors in your list to find out more about them. For instance, find out about the sizes of the projects that the contractors can handle. Know whether they can share information of their previous projects and how long they have been in the industry. Make sure that you also ask questions about the reliability, availability, and attention that will be given to your project.
Meet for Consultation
Pick 3 or 4 contractors after conducting phone interviews and schedule a face to face meeting. Ask contractors questions and ensure that they answer them satisfactorily. Communication is very important because the contractor that you choose will be in your home for days or hours.
Investigate Facts
After meeting the contractors face to face, conduct further research. For instance, contact their previous clients to know how their projects were handled. You can even visit the site of the current project that the client is working on. Find out more about the way the contractor handles projects.
Get Bids and Payment Schedule
Get bids from several contractors and payment schedule. Compare the bids to choose the best contractor with the most reasonable price. Also know how the contractor wants you to pay for the project.
Sign a Written Contract
Before the project starts, make sure that you and the contractor have signed a written contract. The contract should include details of your project, liability proof insurance, payment schedule and workers’ compensations. It should also include the date of starting and completing the projects.
Finally, bear in mind the fact that uncovered problems or made changes will increase price of the project and time it will take to complete. Therefore, make sure that the contractor includes such details in the contract.