Hiring General Contractor: Checklist and Tips
Hiring general contractor is an essential first step in your planning process as you prepare for your home renovation project. Some general contractors have a particular area of expertise, such as painting or roofing, while others have various skills. Before hiring a contractor, you should assess the quality of their work, specify in writing the tasks you want them to complete for you, and agree on the project’s scope.
Here are the top 7 suggestions to take into account when hiring general contractor:
1. Obtain Several Estimates
Get written quotes from at least three contractors. When you receive multiple bids, make sure you compare like with like. Examine the building materials, construction techniques, schedules, and other elements that may vary by contractor. Click here for a free quote.
2. When possible, use licensed local contractors
Local contractors are simpler to get in touch with if issues arise with the work in the future and are more likely to be knowledgeable about local building codes. SW Florida Builders Group is your local 5-star Licensed General Contractor and provides free quotes.
3. Examine their prior work
How has their previous work performed? Do they have expertise in the work you need to be done? Verify testimonials to learn more about the company’s products, craftsmanship, and customer service quality. Please find out about their professional standing and duration of business. Hiring general contractor with more than five years of experience is best.
4. Verify Their Bonding and Insurance
Verify the contractor’s insurance and bonding details. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor, which should include the name of the insurer, the policy number, and the policy limits the contractor carries. To ensure the policy is still in force and to confirm the coverage, you can contact the insurance provider directly. Licensed, bonded, and insured contact SW Florida Builders Group today.
5. Keep a Job File
Keep your contract and all related paperwork in a single folder. Additionally, your file should include any change orders, blueprints, specifications, bills, invoices, canceled checks, insurance certificates, letters, notes, or other communications with the contractor.
6. Don’t Pay Up-Front
Make partial payments until the project is finished. Make sure your checks are payable to the business, not to the individual, and avoid paying in cash. It is customary to pay one-third of the estimated costs as a down payment for more significant projects. In this manner, your cashed check will serve as a receipt.
7. Expect Delays
To summarize, the decision in hiring general contractor is vital for the success of your construction project. Their vast knowledge, specialized skills, and comprehensive project management abilities contribute to a streamlined process, cost and time savings, and the attainment of superior outcomes. By entrusting your project to a reputable general contractor, you can concentrate on your vision while they expertly handle the complexities of construction. Prioritize the wise choice of engaging a skilled general contractor before embarking on your next construction endeavor and enjoy the peace of mind and remarkable they bring to the forefront.
SW Florida Builders Group is here to help with all your residential and commercial projects. Licensed, bonded, and insured contact us at www.swflbg.com or call us at (727)325-1327 to schedule an estimate.
