8 Tips on How to Hire a Building Contractor – Part II

1. Investigate your choice – Narrow your list. Research teach contractor. Call their references and previous clients. Ask to see if you could stop by and see the contractors finished work. Call the contractor and visit a current project and see if job is neat, clean and safe. Are the construction workers courteous and respectful of the owner’s property?

2. Get your architectural plans completed and then get bids – A good contractor will want plans to bid off of. Without plans, you will get higher prices. This is because you’re pushing the contractor to “guess-i-mate” prices. Since he is estimating, he will not want to get burned. You will also need to tell him what kind of finishes you want so he can put the right allowances in the bid. Also, when you get the bids back, you want to compare them apples to apples. (Line item by line item)

3. Payment schedule – Payment schedules can also tell you about the contractor’s status. If they want too much up front, be careful. He may be paying of an old debt with your money. I usually charge 5-10% upfront depending on the contract size, 5-10% at work commencement, and then draws at different milestones (i.e. pour slab, roof sheathing, etc.) and then 10% at final building inspection.

4. Watch the lowest bid – These days many contractors are desperate. They will undercut the other bids by a lot of money. This contractor may be unlicensed, uninsured, and may be using illegal workers. Make sure you feel comfortable with the contractor. Remember communication is a must in your relationship. Does he call you back in a timely fashion, will he come out the job at odd hours.

5. Get a contract in writing – Have the contractor draw up a contract that details every step in the process. Include draw schedules, start dates, completion dates, total costs, materials and specific products. Have him show you proof of liability insurance and workman’s compensation. Have him show you the same from his subcontractors. Get lien releases before making payments. This will prove that he has paid his suppliers and subcontractors for the work that was completed so far. Don’t be intimated to ask for all of this. It’s just business as usual. If he doesn’t give you any of these items, a red flag should go up immediately.

About the Author

Jim has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in diet, fitness and weight loss, you can also check out his latest website on metal buildings for sale which gives a source of manufacturers for steel buildings for sale.

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