Tips to Effectively Hire a General Contractor
Between your dreams of building or renovating a commercial property and the realization of that dream stands one very important person. Contrary to what newbie property investors think, Bighorn Rentals explains, a general contractor is not someone who merely oversees the menial labor involved in a project. A general contractor is an invaluable advisor who helps projects finish on time, within costs, and according to specification.
This is why hiring a general contractor is not something to be done carelessly. A good general contractor makes up for the gaps in your knowledge via their skill and network. A second-rate contractor amplifies your stress during the job and continues to cost you in future reworking. Choosing a good contractor upfront is the way to maintain control over your project and this guide will show you how.
The role of a general contractor
The general contractor is the person who holds all the disparate parts of your project together and keeps them functioning in harmony. Rather than dealing with different subcontractors, hiring a general contractor allows you to deal with just one key person. Critical roles played by a general contractor include:
Assisting with design
Getting government permits
Purchasing supplies · Ensuring conformity with building codes
Compliance with zoning regulations
Hiring and overseeing subcontractors
They make sure that processes run smoothly and everything is concluded in time and within cost.
How to hire a general contractor
Choose a contractor who specializes in your type of project
Not every general contractor will be suitable for your project because some specific regulations and codes that apply to each project. An unsuitable contractor may not know these codes and regulations. Even if they could learn them, you would not want them experimenting on your project. You want a contractor who has training and experience in that kind of project. Such a person would be able to foresee problems and avoid them, saving you time, money, and stress. Furthermore, they already have connections with the technicians you need for the project and know how to meet building regulations.
How long have they been in business?
The longer a contractor has been in business, the more credibility and competence they are likely to have. This means investigating their track record; the number and type of projects they have been on, and their reputation within the community. General contractors with many years of experience charge more, compared to less experienced ones.
It can be tempting to settle for the less experienced contractor, especially when they both look the same on paper. But you should consider the additional amount the older company charges as insurance for greater peace of mind.
Are they licensed for the location and the kind of project?
Licenses serve as confirmation of a contractor's competence issued by a qualified neutral third party. They show that the person has written and passed the necessary examinations. It is proof that the individual will abide by the highest standards of their industry. A licensed contractor is a professional who has a lot to lose if they do a shoddy job.
How do you verify that a contractor is licensed? Obtain their license number and do a check on the licensing organization's website. It is important to check that a contractor is licensed to work in your locality for that particular type of project. If they are not, you could get into trouble for hiring them.
Is the contractor properly bonded and insured?
What happens if a contractor damages a neighbor's home or vehicle while working on your project? Who is going to bear the cost of repairing the damage or replacing the item? Also, if a contractor does not have adequate insurance, you could become liable if a worker is injured on the site. To avoid unpleasant surprises and unexpected expenses hire a contractor who is fully insured.
In addition to insurance, the general contractor has to be bonded. Bonding protects you if a contractor fails to complete the contract or does not meet any of their financial obligations within the contract. Never accept contractors' words on their bonding or insurance status; obtain evidence and verify every proof that they offer.
Any contractor who meets the above conditions should be safe to work with. But if want to be completely sure, other areas to look at include;
Communication: Choose a contractor who can communicate using media that are convenient for you and at an acceptable frequency.
Subcontractors: Projects that have many parts or are complex require general contractors who have many qualified subcontractors on their team.
Finally, having a detailed contract before the work begins will unearth any ambiguities in the agreement and help you avoid disputes. And if doing all these sounds like a hassle, it is because it is. But rest assured that the hassle of vetting your general contractor is nothing compared to the hassle of hiring and working with the wrong person.
Written By: Andrew at Bighorn Rentals