Questions matter when choosing a general contractor for your project
Major projects require specific licensing, experience
Tampa Bay Business Journal - by Susan C. Saporito Special to the Business Journal
Just as the turn of a key sets an automobile engine in motion, the right general contractor for your building project will determine if it flies or fizzles.
Deciding who that general contractor should be -- whether the project is commercial or residential, a new building or a renovation -- requires a careful, calculated approach.
First things first. Before looking at potential contractors, begin by estimating the size of the building project. Ask yourself: What exactly needs to be done?
How the general contractor performed on previous jobs is the single most important factor, note officials with the Associated General Contractors of America. Ask other building owners for the names of contractors they have worked with, whose work was completed on time and within budget.
Seek references from colleagues who have had similar renovations or building projects. Business associations, building and renovator organizations and the Internet are other sources for names.
Hire a contractor who has experience with projects similar to yours. This ensures that the contractor will know what materials and techniques are needed for your work and, even better, about problems with similar work and how to solve them. Get references from potential contractors, and call them to find out how the contractor performed.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau. It records complaints about contractors in your community.
The contractor you use should carry adequate builders' risk, liability, vehicle and workers' compensation insurance. If your contractor does not carry proper insurance, you could be left with the responsibility of paying for damaged property or someone's injuries even if the loss was caused by the contractor's negligence.
Before accepting bids from potential contractors, discuss your project with a few of them.
This meeting is designed to give you a sense of the contractor's personality and work. Don't sign anything or pay anything at this stage. Ask:
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you done a similar job before?
- What licenses do you hold? Your local building department or local building contractors' association will be able to tell you if a contractor is properly licensed to work on your project. Be sure that subcontractors they use hold the proper licenses as well.
- What professional associations do you belong to?
- How do you handle subcontracting?
- How and when do you clean up, particularly fine dust?
You won't offend reputable firms with questions.
It is wise to get estimates from at least three contractors. Compare them carefully and make sure they all quote on the same job using the same materials.
No matter how trustworthy the contractor may appear, insist that the transaction and all agreed-upon items be put in writing.
Contractors who say they can save you money if you pay cash and won't use a written contract may be unlicensed or uninsured. That means your cash advances are unprotected. A cash deal also leaves you with no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Ask potential contractors if they are bonded. Bonding means that a contractor is financially prepared to assume responsibility in the event that he's unable to complete the job.
From www.bizjournals.com