How to choose the right general contractor

Hiring the right contractor for the job is key to the job’s success. Many contractors specialize in certain building types, so doing the research prior to hiring someone will help you determine what type of contractor you should hire for the type of project you have. Here are a few tips on how to pick the perfect general contractor for your project.

• Ask around. The best marketing tool is word of mouth. You trust your friends and family to give you their advice, so ask around and see if anyone would suggest someone for you. They will be able to give you candid advice about what to do.
• Interview them. Don’t hire someone without interviewing them and asking a few questions first. Ask them for a list of past clients so you can see their work, ask how many other projects they will have going at the same time, how long have they worked with their subcontractors, etc. Interview at least three contractors.
• Visit a current work site. Go to a current construction site and see what it is like. Is the work site neat and clean? How do employees and subcontractors interact? These are things that are good to see for yourself.
• Get proposals. If you have a few ideas for contractors lined up that you’re considering, start gathering proposals. Put together your plans so far and present them to each contractor and have them put together a proposal for you. Have them explain their approach to your project, including costs, and fees, so you have a complete understanding of the overall project.
• Check their history. Once you have it narrowed down to your top pick, do some research into their past. Check to make sure they are licensed, check with the Better Business Bureau and local court records for problems or complaints, and talk with all of their references and past clients to see what they think.
• Sign a detailed contract. It is important that you both agree on and sign a very detailed contract. The contract should lay out what work will be done by the contractor, what work will not be done, what the payment schedule is, and even what materials and equipment will be used with the serial numbers for easy tracking and inventory. Work should not begin until the contract is signed.
• Shop Locally. Local contractors are going to know better what the competitive costs for the area are and have better insights in the local culture and trends.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for the success of a project. The right or wrong contractor could be the difference between a successful and timely project and a nightmare. Dean Kurtz Construction is willing to work with any type of project and ready to answer your General Contracting questions.