Four things to consider when hiring a qualified contractor
To Hire or not to hire
When you begin a project on your home, one of the first things that you need to decide is how to manage the project. Often, homeowners decide to try to complete the project on their own because they want to save money, or because they have heard too many horror stories of people who have been taken advantage of. However, sometimes they are not aware of the risks of doing the project themselves. They may not know what paperwork is required by the city before they even begin the work. They may find themselves with a design that is impractical or more expensive to build than is necessary. At times, they may buy materials that are not right for the job, which have to be adapted, costing them additional time and money. And sometimes they will have trouble getting the Subcontractors to show up to get the job done. So, using a Building Contractor to manage the process can move your job along more quickly, and may help you to avoid costly mistakes.
If you do decide to use a Contractor, how can you be sure that you are hiring someone you can trust?
Here are four things to keep in mind.
1. First of all, do some research. Is the Contractor that you are considering licensed and insured? Are they legally able to pull permits and will you be covered by insurance if something goes wrong? Do they have knowledge and experience, or are they just beginning in the trade? Ask to see photos of their work and get references to verify their workmanship and their ability to manage your job. Also, ask if they have experience in handling the particular type of project that you need done. It is not always a deal breaker to hire a less experienced person, but you want to know what you are getting, and if your job is more complicated, you want to make sure that it will be done correctly.
2. Secondly, you need to decide if you want to choose a larger corporate company, or to work with a smaller home business. There are pros and cons to each. A larger company may have wider experience and more assets to bring to the table. They may offer you some nice finishes, and may offer discounts and promotions. This can be good as long as they deliver, and a well established company should do so. However, you may be working with many people in the company, who may or may not be aware of your specific needs. They may only offer you the option of a few specific models that they offer, and they may not be willing to customize anything. A smaller business may not be able to offer you as many extra benefits, but they usually are able to tailor your job more specifically to your needs, and you can build a working relationship with one person in charge of your job.
3. Thirdly, you want to find out how busy the Contractor is, and if they have enough help to get their projects done in a timely manner. If a Contractor is very busy, that can be a good sign that they are reputable. But if they are too busy, you may have to wait for them to get to your project. Typically, once all your paperwork and permits are in place, a project should be able to be completed in a six month time period. Check with the potential Contractor to see how long he thinks your project will take, and when he will be able to start.
4. Finally, you need to ask yourself if you like the Contractor you are considering, and if you will like the people that he has hired to complete your job. Remember that you will be working with this team for an extended period of time. You need to be able to communicate well with them, work well with them, and trust them. They may be inside your home, so you don't want to hire someone you feel uneasy about. Ask the questions you need to ask to be assured that the Contractor you are looking at is the right one for your project. However you decide to manage your project, it is valuable to do your research ahead of time to make the building process as smooth as possible.
