When planning a building or renovation project, one of the most important steps is to hire a contractor. It’s crucial to ensure that you choose a contractor that will do an excellent job. However, many contractors purport to provide exceptional services but that’s not what clients get after hiring them. To ensure that you have entrusted your building or renovation project to the right professional, use the following checklist for hiring a building contractor.
Get Several Estimates
Talk to many contractors and request free written estimates. Make sure that you have a minimum of three estimates to compare. The estimates should include the costs of materials, timelines, work methods, and other factors that vary between contractors. Avoid too low or too high estimates.
Check Location and Licensing
Choose a local and licensed contractor. A local contractor is easy to contact in the event of a problem in the future. They are also familiar with the local building codes. What’s more, it’s easier to find out if a contractor is licensed and capable of doing an excellent job.
Check the Past Work of a Contractor
Find out more about the past projects that a contractor has handled. Do they have a portfolio or references? Can their past clients recommend them? An ideal contractor should be recommended by past clients due to their superior workmanship and excellent customer service.
Check Bonding and Insurance
The best building contractor should have the necessary insurance policies. This includes workers’ compensation insurance. It’s important to choose a bonded contractor with an insurance certificate that can be verified. That way, you will avoid being held liable in case the unexpected happens during the construction project.
Take Your Time to Make a Sound Decision
You have many things to compare and consider when hiring a building contractor. Therefore, don’t rush just because a contractor wants to know your final decision. Instead, take your time to analyze different aspects. That way, you will choose a contractor that will ensure the smooth running of your project from the beginning to the end.
In addition to these tips, make sure that you get a written contract that states what the contractor will do, when, and at what price. If you don’t understand any clause in the contract, seek the interpretation of a lawyer. That way, you will avoid problems with the contractor that you choose in the future.