Contractors are the experts for building homes, commercial buildings, additions, and remodeling. Before you hire a contractor, there are some questions you should have in your mind. Hiring a contractor will help you accomplish a build faster without cutting corners. Contractors have a wealth of knowledge on how to build a safe structure that meets all local and state regulations. Before hiring a contractor, you should know what you want to accomplish with your project and how much you are willing to spend.
1- Define Your Project
Before you hire a contractor, you should determine what your goals are. What type of project are you looking to have done? Is it in a residential or commercial space? What is your budget and how will you pay for setbacks or materials? Narrow down any preferences you have before reaching out to contractors. This will help you ask the right questions and find a contractor that specializes in your project.
Communicate your project specifications to potential contractors so they understand your expectations and if they are the best candidates for your build.
2- Ask For Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reliable contractor is to ask people you trust. If they have recently used a contractor, they will be able to tell you what they liked about their work and how their communication was. Reach out to neighbors, friends, family, or coworkers to gain some more options, and then do your own research on top of recommendations.
3- Conduct An Interview
While many construction companies will list information on their website, talking to them in person may provide a better picture of how they handle each job. Once you have found a few contractors, schedule a phone call or consultation to ask questions and determine if they can fit you into their schedule.
An interview or face-to-face meeting should give you some insight into how the contractor treats their customers. This may also be a good time to see how they run their job site, pictures of their work, and how long they have been working in the industry. While years in the business do not always contribute to the quality of work, talking with someone about their business can help you determine if they care about the quality of their builds and see their personality.
4- Get Bids From Multiple Contractors
Staying on budget is important for a remodel or construction build. You can get a free estimate or bid from multiple contractors to determine which option would be best for you. While a bid can help you ensure your budget is accurate, some problems could come up during the construction process. Getting a bid from contractors may not reflect the total cost in the end, but it is a good starting point.
5- Communicate Your Needs
Clear communication is key when you are working with a contractor or other home improvement company. Both parties need to communicate in order for the project to be completed successfully. Before hiring a contractor, communicate your needs and what you want the project to accomplish.
Even after you hire a contractor, communicating is crucial. Changes in materials, timelines, problems, new parts, etc., will all need to be spoken about with your contractor. Having good contact with your contractor will make the project go smoother and limit overspending on excess materials.
6- The Lowest Price Isn’t Always Best
Finding something cheap or getting a discount is very appealing to people, but the lowest price for a construction project could mean cutting corners or lower-quality materials. Contractors to claim to have the lowest bid may have lower quality materials, less experience, or are not paying attention to the small details.
Experienced contractors may tell you to immediately throughout the lowest bid, but depending on the budget and the project, a less experienced contractor may be ok for your build. This is why it is crucial to do research before and ask other customers who have worked with them in the past.
Construction From EK Bailey
Our builders and contractors have been in the construction industry since 1988. We work hard to upload the highest quality of materials and builds in the state of Utah. E.K. Bailey specializes in restaurants, office buildings, healthcare, hospitality, and retail spaces.
We grew from a small home builder to one of the leaders in commercial construction. E.K. Bailey wants to help your business succeed with proper architecture and durable structures. Ready to get started on a project? Reach out to us to get started!