Construction projects are often complex, time-consuming, and costly. Many clients worry about the duration and cost of the construction process. Some expect to pay more than they have while others worry about missing important deadlines.
In reality, any construction project can be completed on time without any unexpected expenses. All you need to do is work with the right general contractor. That’s why it’s imperative to spend time searching for the best candidate.
An ideal contractor for the job can turn your construction project into a fun and exciting endeavor. Let’s take a look at 5 important things to consider when choosing the best general contractor for your needs.
Table of Contents
Experience
When you look at the general contractor candidates, you need to pay special attention to experience. If the company has been on the market for a couple of years, it may not be enough to help you complete the project of your dreams.
The best contractors have been working for at least five years. Meanwhile, they should have experience with the type of project you are planning. For example, a real expert in apartment build-outs may not be a great choice for building a three-story house and vice versa.
Before hiring the contractor, ask them about their experience with projects similar to yours. They should be able to provide a portfolio. Look through it to figure out whether you are likely to be satisfied with the contractor’s work.
Insurance
A general contractor should have adequate insurance. In case the contractor doesn’t have proper insurance, you could be paying for damaged property, injuries, and losses caused by the contractor’s negligence.
The type of insurance the contractor should carry include:
· Commercial general liability insurance – coverage against bodily injuries or property damage that happens during the contracting work. It also covers legal expenses incurred during the litigation.
· Workers compensation – coverage for workers in case on-job accidents happen.
· Pollution insurance – all contractors must follow specific environmental laws. This insurance protects contractors from claims made by other parties that believe that contractors broke those laws.
· Auto liability insurance – since contractors use vehicles to transport workers and materials, they need insurance against injuries and damages these vehicles may inflict.
· Builders risk insurance – protects contractors in case materials are lost, damaged, or stolen.
While this insurance is created to reduce the contractor’s liability, it’s important for the client as well. In some cases, you could be held responsible for some of the damages.
Availability
Some contractors rush to take on as many projects as possible in order to maximize their revenue. According to contractors at AFS General Contracting, large companies can take on several projects simultaneously. However, small companies usually fail to maintain a high quality of work when they are overwhelmed with requests.
That’s why it’s imperative to find out how many projects your candidate is working on at the moment. If you choose a contractor who is busy, you can make a choice to wait. It’s always better than facing missed deadlines.
Communication
Clear communication with contractors is the key to any project’s success. You and the contractor should be able to understand each other. When conducting an interview, you need to monitor how the communication goes.
· Is the contractor straightforward about its goals?
· Do they answer questions clearly?
· Do they talk about communication options before you sign the contract?
When you meet face-to-face, you can figure out how well you understand each other. However, don’t let the contractor’s personality be the only deciding factor. Check the local Better Business Bureau for more information.
Costs
Many people make the mistake of letting costs be their guide. In reality, an expensive contractor isn’t necessarily a great one. Meanwhile, a reasonable price list doesn’t guarantee high quality.
When choosing contractors, you should get a fairly good idea of what an average price tag is. Never go for extremely low or very high costs. You are likely to lose money and quality in both situations.
Study the costs carefully to make sure there aren’t any hidden fees. Each cost must be discussed separately. A respectable contractor is always more than willing to go into details.
The Takeaway
While it may be hard to find a top-notch contractor, once you do, your construction project will proceed smoothly. By checking the general contractor’s reputation, experience, and availability, you can narrow down the list of candidates. Don’t let low costs fool you. Take the time to do your research.
