In 2022, about 36,310 general contractors are employed in the US. Whether building a new home or renovating, hiring an architect and general contractor is wise to oversee the work.
General contractors manage all the tradespeople and help you determine what the scope of your project will be. So when you hire a contractor, they will manage certain planning stages and your project team. Where do you start?
Read on to learn the questions before hiring a general contractor for your home.
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1. Ask for Their Specialization
Before hiring a general contractor, you want to ensure they have experience in the type of work you need to do. Know that there are different types of contractors. If they don’t have experience in your specific type of project, they may not be the best contractor for the job.
Always ask a potential contractor how many projects they have completed that are similar to the one you are proposing. It will give you an idea of their experience and if they are likely to complete your project.
2. Ask About Their License and Insurance
It’s important to ask if your potential contractor has the proper license to operate in your state. It will ensure that they have the proper credentials and follow the building code in your area. You don’t want to be liable for any damages or injuries during the project.
Before hiring a contractor, you should also ask about their insurance. You want to ensure you have coverage in case something goes wrong. If contractors don’t have the right insurance, you could be stuck with the bill if something happens.
It’s also important to ask if the general contractor offers a warranty on their craft. A lot of times, general contractors will warranty their work for a certain number of years.
If they don’t offer a warranty, it’s important to ask why. Warranties are important because they protect you in case something goes wrong with the craft.
3. Look for a List of Reference
It will allow you to speak with previous clients and get a feel for the contractor’s work. Be sure to ask if the contractor was easy to work with and if they would recommend them to others. If a contractor has significantly few similar projects or no references, you may consider someone else.
4. Inquire an Estimate of the Costs
It will help you determine if the contractor is within your budget. Be sure to ask the contractor for a breakdown of the estimated costs to see where your money is going. Also, ask the contractor if they have any discounts or promotions that can save you money on the project.
5. Know About Their Completion Time
You’ll want to know if they are realistic in their timeline and if they have any potential delays factored into their schedule. Furthermore, ask how they communicate progress and updates to their clients. It will help you gauge their level of transparency and customer service.
Hiring a General Contractor You Can Trust
Before hiring a general contractor, ask about everything you need to know. Know about their expertise, license, insurance, rate, and the quality of service they offer. These questions will help you make an informed decision about who to hire.
Want to learn more? Check out the rest of our website for more tips and information to get the best from the trade.
