Consider these Steps to Hiring a Contractor

To hire a contractor for a small home project, consider the following steps:

1. Define the Project Scope: Clearly outline what you need done, including specifics like your intended purpose for the project, timeline constraints, and any design preferences or preferred materials. Providing more details from the start will result in more accurate initial bid prices. You may not have a complete design in mind and that is okay. There will be plenty of time to tweak the design later in the process, with the help of a good contractor.

2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend, including a buffer for unexpected expenses. It is extremely helpful to establish a budget prior to hiring a contractor so they can understand overall project cost limitations. If an initial bid comes back over your planned budget, talk with your contractor about the variance. Projects can add up quickly, and you may have to do some value engineering to get all, or at least most, of the features you are looking for. Contractors can suggest design alterations that could help you achieve your desired outcome within your planned budget.

3. Research Potential Contractors: Look for licensed and insured contractors with good reviews. Search engines are an obvious place to start when learning more about contractors in your area but before you call, take some time to browse through their portfolio and social media, if available. Websites and social media that demonstrate time, effort, and consideration often translate to a company that cares about their image and ultimately, the work they do. Although, many good contractors still rely on word-of-mouth marketing so ask for recommendations from local friends or family as well. A trustworthy contractor can be difficult to find. Even with the help of social media and online reviews or referrals, trust your gut instincts. If the contractor is hard to get in touch with and is not prompt about the bidding process, they likely will not be any better during the construction process. This goes for companies that have good reviews as well; even if someone had a good experience with them 5+ years ago, that does not mean that would hold true today.

4. Get an Estimate (or multiple): Contact at least one contractor to get a written estimate. If you find multiple contractors who seem like a good fit, request quotes from them as well to compare pricing and included services. It is important to look at the bid details and pricing together, not just the bottom-line price. As mentioned previously, contractors will help with the design if you do not already have a detailed design in mind. They know all the decisions that need to be made and the right questions to ask you to get the necessary details. If you do not have an answer just yet for every question they ask, that is okay; contractors will create allowances for undetermined items and assume a certain standard of quality. The design process can be overwhelming, so these allowances will help alleviate stress of making all the decisions upfront. However, make sure you are comparing bids that are equal in allowances (types of materials used and scope of work) to truly determine which bid is the best value.

5. Check References and Credentials: Verify their qualifications, past work, and references. Check for any complaints with local licensing boards. This extra step can help you narrow down your decision if you have multiple competitive estimates. It can also save you from being a victim of good sales techniques but poor build execution and quality.

6. Plan for Permits: Check if any permits are required and who will be responsible for obtaining them. Homeowners can apply for permits in addition to licensed contractors. If permits are required, they will impact the total cost and timeline for a project. Municipalities, project types, and inspection requirements are all different, and each will impact the permitting process, so it is important to set aside some budget and apply early. Schedule delays associated with permits are common.

7. Discuss Timeline: Ask about contractor availability and how long the project will take. Ensure the timeline aligns with your schedule. For projects lasting one month or longer, it can be very helpful to receive a written schedule from a contractor, which assigns project milestones to dates. If your project is time sensitive, obtaining a schedule prevents uncertainty about whether the contractor with be finished on time. Having this type of accountability helps both parties keep tabs on how the project is progressing.

8. Review Contracts: Read through the contract carefully. Ensure it includes details about the scope of work, payment schedule, and any relevant warranties. Do not hesitate to ask clarifying questions. Contracts should not be one-sided.

9. Establish Communication: Decide how you will communicate with your contractor during the project. Ensure you have a primary point of contact. It is important to discuss how decisions will be made during the project and who needs to sign off on any changes in cost or scope.
10. Finalize Payment Terms: Determine how and when payments will be made. It is advisable to avoid paying the full amount upfront but do plan on paying some fraction of the cost upfront, depending on the scope of work. Final payment should always occur AFTER completion of work, once you are able to inspect the final result to ensure the contract was upheld and standard of quality promised was met.

Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth hiring process and a successful project.

If you have questions or would like to inquire about a project in the Raleigh, NC area, email me at carter@tignorconstruction.com.