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Construction Estimating & Bidding, Theory Principles Process $100.00 AGC Publication No. 3506 The Associated General Contractors of America. Bidding Process Chart included in the back of the book…. |
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How to Choose the Best Contractor for Your New Home
It is not an easy task to find a good contractor. The low level of standards and controls on the market allows almost everybody to be in this business.
1. Educate yourself
It’s important to educate yourself about the work you want to have completed prior to meeting with contractors. This way, you’ll have a deeper understanding of renovation lingo, you’ll be able to provide the contractor with enough information to prepare an estimate that meets your goals, be able to interpret any estimates that you receive, and to figure out whether the contractor is overpricing their work.
2. Check Contractors’ expertise, past experience, and references
To select the best of the best, you will need to check company’s procedures, specifications, references and the way they communicate with you. If the Construction Company or contractor does not know how to communicate well with you (even when the others have no problems), then the possibility for misunderstandings in the project increases, and that means higher costs and less satisfaction.
When you look at the specifications of potential contractors, make a list of questions, which you want to be answered. Those, who respond to your e-mail or call you, should have an advantage over the others. Nevertheless, consider whether your questions were answered clearly. This is particularly important for issues that you are not clear about or you did not understand.
Below are some questions you need to ask each contractor.
- Did the Contractor omit a portion of the scope of work? If so, have them revise the estimate.
– Are they using lesser quality materials (paint, cabinets, tile, etc.)?
– How long will it take to complete the work?
– Are they insured with a General Liability policy?
– Can they provide a minimum of 5 to 10 references from previous projects?
– Are permits necessary and if so, is the cost included in the estimate?
– Is the Contractor willing to let you visit several of their jobs?
– What type of Warranty does the Contractor provide?
If they do not understand what you are talking about, ask more questions. Good builders are the ones who know how to solve a problem. However, those who insist on answering your questions and want to explain you every little detail are the best.
Above all, try to find their ex clients and personally see their past work. The best recommedation is a satisfied client.
3. Are they affilated weith any renovation networks/associations?
Look for contractors affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, National Association of the Remodelling Industry (NARI), National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or any other local building or remodelling association. Look at each Contractors website to see what type of work they perform, any examples of already completed work and their qualifications.
4. Consider hiring a green company
Today, houses are cheaper to heat and cool and more comfortable than it was a case a few decades ago.
If you want to regain the money you’ve invested in refurbishing or building a house it is necessary to connect with a green company that understands your needs and has the knowledge how to manage your task.
5. Walk the job
During your meetings, hand over your information that you compiled and walk the job with each of them. Be prepared to answer numerous questions. Some will be easy to answer and others may need some additional research on your part. Either way, try to stick with your initial scope of work and do not deviate because it will only make it more difficult for you to interpret the figures on each bid.
Ask each Contractor how long it will take them to prepare the estimate and make sure they honour those dates. If they don’t, that should be a red flag.
6. The cheapest offers are often the most expensive
Price should not be the deciding factor when choosing contractors. People often choose the lowest bid and ultimately discover that the contractor has not done the job properly. High quality papers require a certain price. It may cost you more, but the job will be done smoothly and within the standards of eligibility.
Cheaper can offer more chop at the end, because you’ll eventually change the order, to correct errors or the contractor to cancel the job. If you ask for three bids for your project, you’ll get three different prices. If a contractor is 15 percent more expensive than another, ask him why. Maybe it includes more items in their offer. If it is cheaper by 15 percent, maybe he forgot to include something very important to you. Remember, you have the right to ask a contractor what you want and they must know how to explain the offer.
If you wish to learn more information on home improvement or to search through listings of contractors, please visit http://www.nationmovers.net
About the Author
Alena Cheina is a sales manager at Nation Movers, a network that focuses on connecting customers to real estate agents, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, household and moving companies. She has worked at Nation Movers for several years and understands that turmoil that many customers experience when relocating.
Has anybody here ever started their own tiling Contractor Business?
My brother is the skilled tile installer experienced in both standard and custom installation jobs. He’s attempted to go into business on his own with no results thus far. I would love to help him run the business side of things because I have an extensive network of working relationships with people that could almost certainly provide great referral business to get things started. My brother has the tools and supply relationships, but he’s just not a salesman. I would love to do this because of my relationships and the prospect of running a successful business. I have no business experience at 39 because my career is in the healthcare industry. My education background is biological sciences. Any pointers?
Go to http://www.score.org/ and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.
501 Contractor Tips Book – Business Education
In by gone days all a contractor had to do was give the customer good quality and good service and he/she would be set. Then set back and let your customers do your selling for you. They would tell a friend and then that friend would tell a friend. Your phone would be ringing off the hook. I remember as an Architectural designer some days I would have up to four people wanting to schedule appointments for designs. Those days are long gone! But Fear Not! Click Here For Help
