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Whatever the nature of your construction project, the contractor you hire will have an impact on everything from job site safety to the final finished product.
Questions to Ask Entrepreneurs
Here are 7 questions to ask a contractor before making your hiring decision:
1. Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
This survey is the most important question you will ask. Licensing ensures that the contractor has met strict requirements and is approved by the state to complete your project. Being bonded and insured will protect you ー and them ー in the event of unfortunate circumstances.
2. How many permits have you obtained in my area in the past two years?
The contractor should be familiar with the permitting process and local building code requirements. You don’t want someone who doesn’t know the local regulations that will govern your project.
3. What is the timeline and cost of the project?
This response should include the actual duration of the project, the payment schedule and when the phases of the project will take place.
4. Do you offer guarantees on materials and your work?
Reputable contractors will guarantee labor and materials for a period of time. Be sure to get this information in writing.
5. How do you communicate with customers?
Ideally, you will receive contact details for a single point of contact. This contact should be someone you can text, call, and email with questions and concerns as needed.
6. Will you sign a contract?
Any contract to consider should include many things, including the estimated duration of the project, material and labor costs, warranties, a list of materials, and more.
7. How long have you been in business?
More experienced companies have better systems for completing projects, and new companies can do cheaper and better jobs than established companies in order to make a name for themselves.
Although you will make critical and complex decisions along the way, hiring the right team will be most important.
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