As a homeowner, it can be daunting to start a construction project. After all, the success of your project largely depends on the quality of the contractor you hire. So, how can you make sure that you’re hiring the right one?
In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for when hiring a construction contractor. Including which qualifications to look for, the importance of references, and how to vet potential professionals. We’ll also discuss the benefits of working with a construction management company, assessing the quality of construction companies, and understanding the true cost of building your project.
Ultimately, a good contractor can help you stay on budget, complete the project on time, and ensure that the finished product meets your expectations. On the other hand, a bad contractor can cause unnecessary delays, budget overruns, and subpar results. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence before hiring.
Qualifications and experience to look for in a contractor
When selecting a contractor, it’s important to do your research and make sure they have the qualifications and experience necessary to complete the job. Here are some key qualifications to look for:
- Licensing and certifications: Make sure the contractor is registered with a trade association. This will ensure they have the necessary training and expertise to complete your project safely and effectively. If they say they’re registered, search for them on the associations register to double check. You can check your tradesmen here.
- Experience: It’s also important to make sure the contractor has experience in the type of project you’re undertaking. For example, if you’re building a new home, you’ll want to make sure the contractor has experience in residential construction and has the know-how to take on a project like yours.
- Insurance: Ask the contractor to provide proof of public and employers liability insurance. This will protect you from being liable if something goes wrong on the job.
*Unfortunately, there is no national register of insured building contractors. However, always ask to see a copy of the contractor’s insurance. If anything smells fishy, phone their insurer directly and verify the documents. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
- References: Ask the contractor for references from past clients. This will give you a better idea of their previous work and whether they’re a good fit for your project.
- Budget: Make sure the contractor is familiar with your budget and willing to work within it. A consummate professional will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate – and help you stay on course financially.
Understanding the cost of your build
When budgeting for a construction project, it’s important to understand the cost of building construction. Cost of build will vary based on the type of project, the materials used, and the size of the project. It’s important to get an accurate estimate of the cost of the project before you start construction. This will help you plan and budget accordingly whilst speaking to prospective contractors.
That’s where apps like ProntoCalc can help, enabling you to price your project right, accurately, and quickly.
Benefits of working with a construction management company
If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach to managing your construction project, you may want to consider working with a construction management company. Although far more costly, a third party manager will manage the project from start to finish, from selecting the contractor to overseeing the whole construction process. This can help ensure that the project runs smoothly and that your expectations are met.
Understanding construction contracts
Before you sign a contract with a contractor, it’s important to make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Make sure you know who is responsible for what and the timeline for completing the project. Also, make sure you know the payment schedule and what happens if there are any delays or budget overruns. Discuss any issues or concerns with the contractor – and make sure they’re addressed in the contract before signing anything.
There is no doubt that hiring the right contractor for your construction project is essential to its success. So, make sure to:
- Do your research on potential contractors
- Check they’re experienced, qualified, and insured
- Check their references
- Understand the terms of any contracts you sign
- Understand the costs of project before signing any contracts
Follow these tips and you’ll ensure you’re hiring the right contractor for the job.
Plus, to avoid any nasty surprises on invoices and delivery notes, you can easily estimate building material costs with ProntoCalc. We make it quick and easy for you to price any project, of any size, in any location in 2 hours or less – you’ll even get the breakdown of each cost estimate in a simple 16-page plan.
To sign-up for a free 14-Day trial, visit www.prontocalc.com.
