The key to a successful project is hiring the right contractor. Whether your construction is a simple house upgrade or a commercial remodeling, a wrong contractor can frustrate your efforts and waste a lot of time, money and energy. This is why it is critical to choose the right professional contractor for your project.
The following steps can be your guide when selecting a contractor for a project.
1. Make A List Of Prospects
The first thing you will need to do is to determine the project you intend to embark on. Be clear on what you want to see and what you don’t want. Write down your objectives and your expectations of the contractor. This will help you when you are making your list of prospects. Talk to your friends and family members who have had similar projects and ask for recommendations. You could also walk around your neighborhood, identify successful projects and ask for the contractors’ contacts.
2. Ask For Referrals And References
Once your list is ready, take your time and call each and every contractor. Ask all the questions you may have. A good contractor should be able to provide you with a list of references of their previous customers. A contractor with a long list of previous customers could be an indication that he has integrity and works well with people. Be sure to call some of their customers and ask for their feedback.
3. Consider The Contractors Experience
It is always advisable to work with a contractor with specialized experience. Find out the period of time they have been in business and also their area of specialization. For example, if you are looking to build a commercial retail and office space, it would probably be a bad idea to hire a contractor with a home improvement license only.
4. Verify The Information And Settle For A Contractor
Consider all the prospects carefully. Select at least three to five of the contractors in your prospect list. Invite them personally to your construction site and have a one on one interview. These meetings provide a perfect opportunity to verify their license and insurance. Always ask for proof of insurance.
You should also call the licensing authority and confirm that their insurance is valid. You do not want a situation where a contractor’s license is revoked in the middle of your project.
Settle for the best contractor on the list. Remember, a contractor with the lowest bid is not necessarily the best. If a contractors bid is significantly lower, ask them why. It could be because the contractor changes the orders in the middle of the project resulting in the budget going over what you had anticipated.
5. Ask For A Written Contract
You now have a contractor for your project. Always get written contracts clearly specifying all the details that you discussed. A budget and schedule compliance is a must. Agree with your contractor beforehand on the start date and the completion date for your project.
Conclusion
There you have it; a comprehensive guide on how to select a contractor for your project. If you are in Houston, top on the list of commercial construction companies is Rise Construction. This company focuses on your personal satisfaction by giving you the highest possible standards in your timeframe.