Have you thought or are you considering hiring a construction contractor? We all know that a good job of improving your property can increase the value of your home. Likewise, if you buy a house and remodel it to your liking or perhaps add a new terrace, a room, improve a bathroom or remodel the kitchen.
If you want to carry out a job of this type in your home, you will need to select a construction contractor to take care of the remodel. We all know of cases of excellent work and also of contractors who did not finish the job or who asked for a deposit to start the work and never got started.
If you don’t want to be a victim of these people, we offer you a series of practical tips when selecting and hiring a construction contractor.
Hiring a Construction Contractor to Remodel Your Home
Before hiring someone, find out how long they have been in business. It is preferable to hire an established company, if possible in your area; and be sure to check the reputation of the company, as well as some references.
Always make sure the contractor has the necessary licenses for the work to be done.
When considering potential contractors, ask for a list of recently completed projects that may be similar to the one you want. Finding a contractor with experience in similar projects will ensure that the work can be done without problems, in the right way.
Be sure to ask your contractor, before committing to the job, if the job will require any municipal permits. All permits
must be obtained before the works begin, or else you could be fined, even forced to partially or totally demolish the work. It is best to discuss beforehand who will handle the permits, whether it is you or the contractor.
Always ask for the name of the person who will be in charge of the project, usually a supervisor, and the names of those who will work on the site.
Once you are familiar with the supervisor, ask him about team personnel. You will need to find out if they are to be trusted and if you really want these people to work in your home. Will they need the keys? Then they will have to be trustworthy enough people so that they can be close to your family.
Every professional contractor must have insurance to cover it, including third-party liability protection, property damage, and worker’s compensation insurance. You should request copies of all insurance certificates to confirm that everything is in order before the work begins. Do not do business with a contractor who cannot provide documentation as in the case of any damage, you may end up holding yourself responsible.
Always check the contractor’s references before deciding to hire him for the project. This is important for obvious reasons, and it will give you an idea of how they work and the results they have already achieved.
When you reach an agreement with the contractor regarding the payment terms, you must put everything in writing and that the agreement is duly signed by both parties.
Never pay more money to the contractor than what has been executed to date, thus you will force the contractor to have a good performance to cover his cash flow and finish the work faster.
