Before planning any major home construction project, it’s essential to know how to hire a contractor. Your general contractor will be in charge of your entire project, including labor, materials and timeframe. Having as much detail as possible is best to ensure everybody’s expectations are met.
However, it can seem overwhelming to find the right professional. To help, here are some basic tips for hiring a contractor:
As a client, you have full control over the process of hiring a contractor. To make the process smoother, make sure you have a realistic idea about what you would be interested in before talking to contractors.
For example, if there are specific architectural elements or styles you want to prioritize, make those priorities known early in the conversation.
Prepare three or more estimates before deciding. The more you know you can understand the cost, the better you're sure of their caliber and work ethic. For example, one company could offer the lowest price, but increase it based on specific requests like building materials.
Even if friends or relatives suggest an existing contractor, you need to establish the minimum qualifications just in case. Find out the full company address and ensure the company is registered with an active state license. Get information about their licenses and policies and ensure they are valid.
Communicate with your general contractor about what to expect on the job site. Have them confirm routine precautions are being taken and that their employees are protected by the company's policies.
Establish ground rules on aspects you care most about, such as timeframe and the number of workers you should expect workers on your property. Also, confirm who will be obtaining all the necessary permits.
Free quotes are tempting, but the project costs may exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ideally, you want to get a detailed proposal with the project budget broken into line item expenses for labor and materials.
While it may require a fee for this cost breakdown, it’s well worth it to know what you’re paying for before approving the bid.
Shopping for general contractors can be a long process, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. To find the right contractor, keep these important steps in mind, and you’ll be in the best position to complete your project.
Barbara started in Real Estate in 2006 after another Realtor told her that her personality made her a perfect fit for the industry. There is no doubt that Barbara’s lively personality and warm heart make her an awesome Realtor. Barbara was born in Italy and speaks fluent Italian. She grew up in Medford and eventually moved to Everett where she resides today. Her personality combined with her background in home insurance and customer service make her experienced in multiple facets of Real Estate and willing to work hard to help her clients achieve their goals. In my spare time I volunteer at animal shelters and foster dogs until we find their forever home. I am also proud to say that with every transaction I complete, a portion of my commission is donated to a local animal shelter.
