There are about 3,570,224 construction businesses in the US as of 2021. That’s an increase of 2.5% from 2020. If you’re planning a construction project, it’s important to find the right contractor for the job.
Otherwise, you might not realize they lack the experience and expertise you need until it’s too late.
Here are five factors to consider before hiring construction contractors. With these tips, you can review your options for contractors first. Then, you can hire the right contractor with your unique project in mind.
Hiring the right contractor can help you minimize unnecessary costs and stress.
Start your search for the best construction contractors with these tips today!
- Look for Experience and Expertise
Head online and search for construction contractors in your area. You can also check your local Better Business Bureau website or other directories.
Then, determine how much experience each contractor has in the industry.
It’s important to find a contractor with years of experience. After all, we all learn from hands-on experience. They can use that experience and know-how to benefit your project.
Hiring construction contractors with years of experience can give you peace of mind.
It’s not enough to find someone with years of experience, though. Experience doesn’t always mean high-quality. Instead, take the time to consider what kind of experience they have.
For example, what type of construction project types are you interested in? Make sure the contractor you choose has experience with that type of project. Otherwise, you might find their experience is irrelevant to your goals.
Past Projects
You can also narrow down your options for contractors by looking into their construction project experience.
Ask how long they’ve worked in the industry. Then, determine what construction project types they’ve worked on in that time. Were any of those projects similar to yours?
If the contractor worked on a similar project, ask about their experience with that build.
Were there any problems along the way? How were those problems resolved? Did the contractor meet the client’s expectations?
You don’t have to take the contractor at their word. Instead, ask for proof of their construction project experience. Ask each contractor if they have a portfolio you can review.
Make sure to look at photos of the projects that are similar to yours.
Do those photos meet your expectations? If not, scratch that contractor off your list.
Specialties
Remember, you’ll want to find contractors with the right experience. Otherwise, they might struggle to help you with your project.
Ask the contractor if they specialize in an area of construction. For example, do they work primarily on commercial or residential buildings?
Most construction jobs are code-specific and regulated. It’s important to find someone who understands the details of your project. Their previous experience can help them avoid potential issues and delays.
They’ll ensure your construction job is completed properly.
- Read Reviews
About 93% of consumers read reviews to determine the quality of a local business. You can, too!
As you narrow down your options for contractors, head online to find client reviews. Client reviews can tell you more about each contractor on your list. You can determine if they’re the right professional for the job.
You can find reviews on the contractor’s Better Business Bureau or Google My Business listing. Make sure to read reviews that aren’t on the contractor’s website. These reviews are usually hand-picked.
Instead, read multiple reviews to get a full picture of each contractor on your list.
You might find a few negative reviews. That’s normal. If the negatives outweigh the positives, scratch that contractor off your list.
Make sure they don’t have any complaints filed against them before hiring construction contractors.
Reliability and Professionalism
As you read client reviews, make sure to choose someone who’s reliable.
Did any of their clients complain about struggling to reach the contractor? Did the contractor have the skills necessary for the job? Did they arrive with the proper equipment?
Make sure the contractor is a strong communicator. Otherwise, you might experience delays and issues while working on your project.
Make sure the contractor is professional, too. Pay attention to how they respond to your calls. Are they honest and transparent?
Using these tips can help you avoid an untrustworthy contractor.
- Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
Before hiring construction contractors, it’s important to make sure they’re licensed and insured.
A construction company is required by law to have the proper licensing and certification. They’ll also need to have the proper permits for your project.
If they can’t provide these credentials, keep searching.
What happens if a worker is injured while completing your project? You don’t want them to hold you responsible. Instead, make sure the contractor has worker’s compensation insurance for their team.
Their insurance will give you peace of mind.
- Consider the Cost
In many cases, cost plays a big role when choosing a contractor. Make sure to complete the above steps first, though. A cheaper contractor might not offer high-quality services.
Instead, make sure the contractor gives you a breakdown of all necessary costs. Expenses can include labor, raw materials, and other expenses.
Don’t choose the lowest build when comparing contractor fees. Instead, keep these other qualities in mind as well.
Make sure there aren’t any hidden fees involved, either. You can learn more about accurate construction quotes here.
Take the time to get three quotes from local contractors. Getting multiple quotes will help when comparing contractor fees. You can determine the average price for contractors in your area.
- Request a Proposed Schedule
Ask each contractor on your list for a proposed project schedule. How long will the project take? What benchmarks will the contractor use to make sure they’re on schedule?
Have any details about the proposed schedule in writing. That way, both parties know what to expect.
The Best in the Business: 5 Tips for Hiring Construction Contractors
Don’t rush when hiring construction contractors. Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can find the best contractors around.
You’ll find peace of mind knowing they have the experience and expertise you need.
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