10 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH A GENERAL CONTRACTOR
What are general contractors?
We all have a vision on how we want our dream home to look, however taking the step to make it a reality can be intimidating. Many of us don’t know the tedious steps involved when it comes to remolding.
That is where a general contractor comes in. They are professionals who oversee your construction project. They are a vital role in communicating with everyone involved the project.
They manage the jobsite, work closely with sub-contractors, designers, architects, draft the budget, schedule, and more. A general contractor works to keep the project on time and budget.
“This was far and away the best experience I’ve had working with a contractor. The entire staff was fun to work with, punctual, and did everything they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it. Communication throughout the entire process was excellent.”
-Teri Roath-Baum
10 tips for working with a general contractor
When it comes to selecting a general contractor, it’s important to establish non-negotiables from the beginning. A lot of time and money will be invested into your general contractor so clarity on your goals, wants and needs is crucial.
We have comprised a short list of 10 things to keep in mind when selecting a general contractor.
Clearly Define Your Project Scope: Be clear and specific about your project scope and make sure your general contractor understands your expectations, before starting the project.
Get Multiple Bids: Compare scope of work and quality of materials between different contractors.
Check Their References: Ask for references from previous clients and follow up with them to ensure the contractor has a good reputation for quality work and timely completion.
Review Their Licenses and Insurance: Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured to work in your area and they have liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Establish a Payment Schedule: Agree on a payment schedule that aligns with the progress of the project, and set aside a portion of the final payment as a retention until the project is complete.
Communicate Regularly: Set up a regular communication schedule with your contractor to ensure you're both on the same page about the project's progress, issues, and changes.
Put Everything in Writing: Ask for your contractor to provide a written contract that includes the project scope, payment schedule, timeline, and any other details you have agreed on with the contractor.
Review the Contract Carefully: Before signing the contract, review it carefully to ensure you understand all the terms and conditions.
Be Available During the Project: Make yourself available to answer any questions or concerns your contractor may have during the project.
Be Respectful: Maintain a respectful and professional relationship with your contractor throughout the project, and address any issues that arise in a constructive and timely manner.
Xtra mile commitment
Our mission is to serve our customers by walking them step-by-step through the creative process from design to build.
If you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to get to know you and hope to make your dream home a reality. We are a company where high quality craftsmanship and custom design meet.
Our clients have the opportunity to bring their ideas and designs to life. We partner with you to create a space that reflects your style and a space you are proud to call home.
Building beautiful spaces is our specialty, but building strong relationships is what makes us different. The first steps to take would be to fill out our online form to set up a phone consultation.
From there, we’d set up an in-person consultation to establish design and floor plan ideas. After that, we would send out estimates, agree on design selections, then the construction can begin!
For more information, Justin briefly explains some more great tips on how to hire a good general contractor on our YouTube channel.
