Do feel like you are at the mercy of luck when it comes to having a successful building project? Are you just hoping that you picked the right guy and have ulcers waiting for the end just so you don’t feel like you have been had? These questions should have no place in the beautification process of your home and you can control the outcome more than just crossing your fingers. Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball to KNOW what will happen, but take these steps in selecting the person to do your work so you can be more assured of a great outcome and be able to look forward to the entire process, not just the end!
First of all you need to have a very good idea of what your project actually is. You do not need all of the fine details, but understand the scope well enough to be able to have bids that are comparable. If the scope is unclear, the bids will be too. You can hire someone to help define the work if you need to and that will help get things off to a great start. Use your friends and neighbors for referrals. The odds of a good referral becoming a bad apple is lower than someone just trying to drum up business in the area. Referrals are the back bone of good contractors and they don’t want to let down the past client that referred them. Another place for referrals is a design store or selection center. They won’t give out names of contractors that they feel may let them down because then they may not end up with their sale. After you get three names, meet face to face with them all to make sure they understand the project and to start building a relationship. If you don’t like them at this phase, you won’t like them later. Don’t use them! Get another name.
A detailed bid is very important. Do not accept a bid that has little or confusing info on it. Ask for clarification on any questions you have. If you don’t get good answers, guess what? Stop now and use someone that will. Don’t use the lowest bid! Decide which of the other bids you feel most comfortable with and trust your instincts. Use all the info you have – your friends, conversations, and judgment. Before you sign a contract make sure the specs are clear. READ the contract!! If there is any part that you question, need clarified, or just don’t like – get it changed. Included in a good contract will be sections to spell out the scope of work, the length of time expected, the timing and amount of deposits and payments, and even what happens in the event of default (for both parties). Never accept to terms to pay in full until AFTER the project is complete! (10% retainage is normal) Be clear on everything! Never sign anything you are not comfortable with. Contracts are for legal protection only and don’t guarantee a good project, but they help and a bad contractor tries to avoid them.
Once you get started never stray from the contract terms. Communication is always important and if that ever starts to break down, don’t hesitate to stop the work. It is better to stop and change mid-stream than to continue and regret the whole thing. You may cost yourself a little money, but it is better than losing it all. Remember, it is YOUR house – not theirs! If they won’t do it your way, don’t let them do it – unless it is unsafe! If you stick to these parameters from the beginning, you will end up LOVING your project and possibly even your contractor. Being safe is way better than being sorry and non of these tips will make a respectable builder upset, they will probably respect you more!! Have fun and trust yourself once you have made the best decision possible.
Please feel free to call me any time about any question you have with this tip or anything else on your mind at 512.413.9281.
