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10 Things To
Know About Your Contractor
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Friendly Version]
Selecting your
contractor is the single most important decision you will make
regarding the success of your project. Whether you are building a
new home, renovating your existing home, adding an outdoor space or
fixing a problem thru an insurance claim, we recommend a 10 point
checklist that will help ensure a successful project.
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How many years has your company been in business?
If the contractor doesn't have at
least three years experience, he may not be able to perform the
job to a professional level. Your contractor may lack the skills
to keep the business afloat. What will your warranty be worth if
your contractor goes out of business? You should feel
comfortable with the integrity of the company.
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Do they have a
Contractor's License? Licensed
Contractors have demonstrated that they meet or exceed the
experience, financial integrity and knowledge criteria that are
considered a minimum to operate in a competent professional
manner.
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Do they have proper insurance?
Proper insurance includes general liability and workman's
compensation insurance. This is very important for your
protection as a homeowner. If the contractor does not hold these
insurances, you may be liable for property damage and worker
injury on your property. Some areas of the country do not
require contractors to carry workman's compensation insurance.
In most cases it’s because a company has too few employees and
can provide a waiver of homeowner-liability instead. Ask to have
a certificate sent to you by the insurance company or call the
listed agent on the certificate to see if the contractors
insurance is paid up to date.
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Do they have references? You
should ask references that the contractor has worked for. This
will allow you to contact verify the quality of work and
professionalism up front. You should ask their past customers a
few questions such as: When did they work for you? Would you
hire them again? Did they respect your property? Were they
persistent with a daily schedule? Was the quality of work good?
Could I see the work performed.
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Make sure that all bids are for the same specifications?
Beware of the contractor who says
he will "build it the same way that Burger Construction does,
but for a much lower price." Detailed drawings, when
accompanied by construction specifications, are the best way to
ensure consistency between bids. When considering a
similar design, a higher price may reflect different and
superior materials, workmanship, business practices and project
integrity. A reputable contractor will put everything in
writing for you, including warranty information that guarantees
their work.
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Communication is
Vital. Do you feel at ease
asking your prospective contractor for details? It's
crucial that you hire someone that you can ask questions.
It's equally crucial that your contractor ask you questions,
because how else can he/she learn what YOU want in your project,
or how you want it to reflect your desires and lifestyle.
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Has Your
Contractor Quoted an Exact Price for your Complete Project?
Many contractors will quote a flat, generic price per square
foot for your project without fully reviewing the unique
characteristics of your home or the building site. In
fact, some contractors don't even visit the site, but provide a
quote by phone! If the contractor does not attend to
detail when quoting your project, then what level of detail
can you expect once construction starts?
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Is Your Builder
Applying for and Providing a Building Permit?
If your project requires a building permit, your contractor will
often offer to provide this service. This permit protects
you by ensuring that the work will be completed in compliance
with local and state building codes. A project completed
without a permit, when required, could lead to insurance or
property transfer problems.
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Is the
Contractor Respectful of You and Your Home?
As part of the agreement, will your contractor ask you for use
of your electrical or bathroom facilities? Is he courteous and
professional? Will he be respectful of your home and keep work
areas clean? Does he appear to be someone you would trust in
your home? Will he agree to your parking requirements? All of
these are important questions that you should ask yourself
before allowing someone in your home.
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Super-Low Bid Beware.
While you should solicit at least three bids, don't get carried
away with bargain-hunting. Lower doesn't always mean better. A low
bidder may have misinterpreted your plans. Or he may be desperate to
land any job to keep his business afloat. Or he may be planning to
pad his bill with change orders (addendums to the contract) once
work gets started. Detailed drawings, when accompanied by construction
specifications, are the best way to ensure consistency between
bids. When considering a similar design, a higher price may
reflect superior materials, workmanship, business practices and
project integrity. A reputable contractor will put everything in
writing for you.
If you would like more information about Bryan Burger
Construction, please contact us today!.
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