logo
logo
Sign in

10 Points to Remember Before Hiring a General Contractor..

avatar
Unique Builders & Development,
10 Points to Remember Before Hiring a General Contractor..

Are you considering a home improvement project that would necessitate the assistance of a professional? Finding a professionally licensed, reputable general contractor is the most challenging aspect of starting a new construction project for most homeowners.

 

  • Consult with a few contractors and obtain written estimates from at least three of them. When comparing different estimates, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Examine the building materials, construction methods, schedules, and other variables that can differ from one contractor to the next.

  • Local contractors are more likely to be familiar with building codes in your area and are easier to contact if issues arise with the work in the future. Inquire about the contractor's physical address in your area.

  • Check references to see how good their goods, workmanship, and customer service are. It is preferable to hire a contractor with more than five years of experience.

  • Until making a decision, get several bids. When you're asked to pay a big deposit upfront, be wary. For all forecasts and contracts, make sure to read the fine print.

  • Verify that the General Contractor is appropriately licensed, insured, and bonded. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor, including the name of the insurance provider, policy number, and policy limits. You should directly contact the insurance provider to confirm coverage to make sure the policy is still active.

  • Before you start working, make sure you have a detailed contract in place. Create a written record of everything, and double-check that the contract is straightforward and well-written. If the project costs a lot of money, you can have a lawyer look at the contract before signing it.

  • A "cooling off" time, during which you may cancel the contract without penalty, may be required by federal law. During the cooling-off time, be sure to obey all relevant laws.

  • Don't pay for the whole job until it's done. Make checks payable to a corporation rather than a person, and avoid paying in cash. It is common practice to pay one-third of the total costs as an initial payment on larger projects. As a result, you'll be able to keep your cashed check as a receipt.

  • Delays happen, and they may not be your contractor's fault even if your contract specifies a timetable, factors such as weather which prevent the work from being completed on time. Be rational, and be ready to change your plans if necessary.

  • Maintain a single folder with your contract and all supporting documents. Change orders, schedules and requirements, bills and invoices, canceled checks, certificates of insurance, and any emails, notices, or correspondence with the contractor should all be included in your register.

Final Thoughts

Remodeling a house can be a stressful and costly process. The right contractor in Houston can mean the difference between a good renovation and a total catastrophe.

The Article “ 10 Points to Remember Before Hiring a General Contractor” originally post Here.

 

collect
0
avatar
Unique Builders & Development,
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more