Three Important Things To Know When Hiring A General Contractor (Part II)
It is wise to hire general contractors with an established business in the community. You can be more secure in your selection if the contractor has references from the community. An established reputable construction business can always be found at their permanent office. You don’t want a contractor or roofer that picks up and moves the office (usually a motel room) in the middle of the night leaving with unfinished, yet already-paid-for work.
Here are three important security things to know when a hiring a general contractor.
CONTRACTORS AND SCHEDULES
Ask the potential contractor about the schedule of things. Those “things” are many. Ask when the workday is expected to start and end. Which days of the week should you expect people working on your project? Who will those people be? What will you need to do to prepare?
Both of you should be able to agree on what is an acceptable delay and what is not. You don’t want to have a subcontractor tell you he will arrive at 9 a.m. and find that the reality is that he does not show up until 3:30.
Find out when the project will start and when it will end and the schedule of when different stages of the project are expected to happen. These dates will likely change but knowing these dates will help both parties know whether you are on schedule or facing delays.
CONTRACTORS AND HOME PROTECTION
If remodeling or adding on, you have existing property that needs to be cared for. Ask the candidate how the workers will protect existing property. Ask the contractor to clearly mark off areas you do not want workers in. Find out what will be done to minimize dust.
When demolition is involved it is wise to visually review the exact areas that will be affected. Make note of the things you do not want damaged. Be reasonable. After all, demolition is not always as easy as it seems.
CONTRACTORS AND COMMUNICATION
Communication can be your best friend or a frustrating irritation. Immediate, clear, precise, accurate and positive communication will help you and your contractor work together to get the best possible outcome for your project. When communication breaks down, well, you will find a wall of avoidance building up. Neither of you will be happy during the process. Guess what. Likely you will not be happy with the outcome either.
The last thing you want to do is get to a point where you are bypassing a step or decision just to get the work done and the relationship ended. Stay in communication. Ask questions. Share information.
One additional word of advice. Offer encouragement. Be complimentary when possible. Try to discern when a mistake is just that and not a result of negligence or poor business practices.
If you are looking for a professional contractor to take special care of your project, call (281) 342-4436. You will find everything you are looking for in a contractor you can trust. Duran’s Roofing and Remodeling has been in business serving Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, Sugar Land and surrounding areas since 1984. Your project is important enough to talk to us about it first.
