To undertake a new remodeling project, hiring a licensed contractor offers the best option to ensure success. You might worry whether the professional will do the job as promised, though. Understanding how to choose a general contractor you can trust doesn’t have to be a difficult chore.
Learn more about the steps you should follow when putting together a hiring checklist for a trustworthy general contractor.
Develop an Idea of Your Project’s Scope
Before you meet with potential candidates for your remodeling job, you should have a general idea of the work you need. You don’t have to make detailed plans or draw up blueprints because the general contractor will handle the detailed work for you. However, determining what you want to spend, which rooms you’re going to remodel, and the ideal timeline are the basics you should have in mind.
If you only have a vague idea of what you need done, ask the general contractor for help with specific ideas. The input the contractor provides can be a helpful step in finding a contractor you can trust. If the contractor seems excited about helping with ideas or with the potential for the project, it’s a good sign that you can work with this team.
Review the Contractor’s Past Work and References
The next step for how to choose a general contractor includes reviewing the firm’s completed work. The general contractor should be proud to show off past work through photographs and videos. Verify that the team has experience with similar types of jobs to what you want.
Another big part of hiring a contractor is verifying the contractor’s references. Trustworthy contractors should have this information readily available for you to review.
When the contractor is trustworthy, you should be able to contact the references and speak to them. You might even ask to visit some of the other properties the contractor worked on. A trusted professional will often give you this option.
Perform a Walk-Through of the Property
Before agreeing to do the job, a trusted professional should want to see your property. If the professional gives you a cost estimate or the job without visiting, this is a red flag.
Even an experienced contractor needs to see your property to understand the scope of the job and any challenges. It’s nearly impossible for a general contractor to provide an accurate timeline without physically inspecting the home.
The general contractor should be excited about seeing the property and helping you unlock its potential. Any professional who balks at taking the time to visit the property before providing a cost estimate might not be trustworthy about the time required to do the work, either.
Verify the Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance
When looking at how to choose a general contractor, ask for information about the licenses this professional holds. Depending on your location, contractors might need licenses from the local government to be able to work in the region. Some contractors belong to professional organizations, too.
A trustworthy general contractor will carry bonding. The bond protects you financially by guaranteeing that the contractor will complete the contract as agreed.
The general contractor should carry insurance, too, covering any potential damage that occurs at your property as part of the project. Verify all the information the contractor provides about these items.
Request a Written Estimate and Contract
Any trustworthy general contractor will provide you with a written cost estimate for the project and a contract that explains the scope of the work. It should spell out the materials being used, the timeline for the work, and whether the contractor will hire subcontractors for certain jobs.
The contract should specify the payment terms. You should never pay all the costs ahead of time. A partial upfront payment is normal, but other payments should occur as the contractor meets milestones.
Don’t accept verbal agreements with the contractor. If a contractor refuses to put everything in writing, this is a red flag regarding trustworthiness.
Choosing a General Contractor You Can Rely on Is Easy When You Select Our Team
At Rowe And Macphail Renovations & Construction LLC, our team has a track record of success on a wide range of projects. We can deliver modern upgrades, additional living space, a new deck, and more at your house. We provide a written contract and insurance coverage you can count on, which is important for how to choose a general contractor you can trust.
To discuss your project scope with us and to receive a free estimate, call Rowe And Macphail Renovations & Construction LLC today at (719) 963-7209.
