With building back on the rise here on the BI this is a MUST read & SHARE!
If you are planning on building a new home or remodeling a current residence, there are some things you will need to know before you hire a contractor. Before we get into those items, let’s first start off by emphasizing that IF you are taking on a large project, you should absolutely hire a licensed contractor.
Based on the complexity of your project or how big it is, you can consider hiring a:
- General contractor: this person is responsible for managing every aspect of the project that includes hiring & supervision of the subcontractors, obtaining building permits and the scheduling of inspections.
- Specialty contractor: this person is responsible for installing certain products such as bathroom fixtures & cabinets.
- Architect: this person is responsible for designing homes, additions & major renovations particularly those involving some structural changes.
Once you’ve determined what type of project you are undertaking, here are some tips:
Carry out your own research
Consult your friends, your co-workers, aunties or uncles who have hired a contractor and consult with the experts at HPM. Check whether people have the same experiences, good or bad reviews can be helpful. You can similarly research about the contractor’s reputation online by simply searching for those company names that have words such as scam or complaint. Get to know the time span that they have been in operation. You should look for established companies whose reputation & record can easily be checked out.
Like the specialists at HPM. They can help you with any job! Build Better, Live Better with HPM.
Make sure your contractor is licensed and bonded
Prior to hiring a contractor:
- Obtain estimates After narrowing your options.
- Find some written estimates from various firms.
- Do not automatically select the lowest bidder.
- Inquire to know whether you will get the reason for the price difference.
Ask questions:
- Are there similar projects to mine that you completed in the previous year?
- Is there a need for any permits for my project?
- Can I get a reference list?
- A contractor must provide you with the names, phone numbers & addresses of a minimum of 3 clients that have projects that are similar to yours. Get to know from every client the period that their project took to be completed and whether they were satisfied. Ask whether there were any hidden costs. Ask whether the workers usually show up at the correct time and whether they do a clean up after completing their job. You can also request the contractor to visit the jobs that are already in progress.
Check your contractor’s insurance
Contractors must have:
- Workers compensation
- Coverage for property damage
- Personal liability insurance
So be sure to request for insurance certificates copies and ensure they are up to date or you will be responsible for any damage or injury that may occur during the project.
Are subcontractors going to be part of your project? If yes, ensure that the subcontractors possess up to date insurance covers & licenses if needed.
Payment options
Try not to pay cash, however, some contractors may offer a deal with a cash payment. If you do decide to pay cash for a project, make sure your contract is solid and you are protected. For the small projects, you can utilize a credit card or a check. Several individuals plan for larger projects. Also, make sure to get a receipt for ALL cash payments.
Finally, Never, and I mean NEVER pay in full unless the job is 100% completed! I learned that one the hard way! I hope this helps, building or remodeling can be stressful, but with the right contractor (and there are a lot of good ones), you should feel at ease with your next project.
