Every homeowner knows that updating your home’s interior and exterior is crucial for it to last longer. Sure, doing it in a DIY fashion makes sense, and it saves you a lot of money and other resources; but there are technical aspects that only a contractor knows and can execute.
General contractors are in charge of coordinating and supervising construction projects. Part of their job is to hire subcontractors, such as electricians, carpenters, painters, plumbers, etc., for the remodeling. Acquiring permits is also part of their job, so the work and materials are according to code.
Contractors have sufficient general knowledge about construction and design. They’re responsible for translating the drawings into actual structures and details. Despite not being the design specialist, contractors are crucial in accomplishing the projects on time.
General contractors fall under two categories with varying scopes of work in the industry:
Traditional general contractor. They obtain blueprints and do other standard work while closely collaborating with an architect or interior designer and ensuring that those working drawings are brought to life. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to execute ideas beautifully.
Design-build contractor. They’re the ones who oversee the design and construction phase of a project. Design-build contractors work with an architect/designer under a contract, providing services under certain conditions. They also work according to the duration of the contract. And since they unify the workflow from conceptualization to completion, they get to make some changes in the middle of the process.
Whichever you choose, they are guaranteed to retain the quality of work, ensuring that they did everything right. Ultimately, these contractors handle the entire construction phase, including cleaning after a long day of building and working.
As a client, you are still the driving force of the construction process. Your vision will be the professionals’ guide to making that remodeling project happen, so you must be clear about what you want before getting a contractor. Thankfully, 7GContracting makes your life easier by ensuring the process goes smoothly.
You must know what amenities you want for custom kitchen and bath upgrades and transformations. Other factors include the special requirements for those areas, the weather conditions of your home, etc. Contractors come in handy when you struggle with translating your goals for remodeling.
Here are some tips to help you get the right contractor:
Regardless if the contractor was referred to you by a trusted friend, it pays to ensure that the person is reliable and efficient. Acquire their full company name and address, including an updated state license and insurance coverage.
It would be best to ask for the contractor’s license and policy numbers and verify their legitimacy. Look for any legal actions or formal complaints filed against the person to ensure they didn’t commit an offense before taking another project.
Please get to know their work history and habits in the middle of the construction phase, especially with how they treat the workers doing the hard labor. Watch how the contractor speaks or acts around them because that’s how you can determine the type of person they are when clients aren’t looking.
Take the time to examine their craft and how they pace themselves within the project if they consistently deliver according to schedule. Ask yourself if they are responsive when called, messaged, or emailed; and whether they commit to being on time with meetings and other appointments.
Carelessness in the little things will affect their reputation, so keep watch on how they handle themselves in terms of dress code and cleanliness.
This goes without saying – you are hiring someone who will do most of the work for you, and you’ll be shelling out a lot of money for it. There may be companies that offer estimates for free. Still, if the remodeling costs hundreds of thousands, you should get a complete and specific proposal that includes the project’s cost estimate.
Upon reading the contract, it should contain the following:
The defaults can be when the head contractor doesn’t pay the subcontractors accordingly, and it should also state that you, as a client, are not liable when something like that happens. That protects you from paying any damages should any disputes occur.
This is the most common and overlooked detail: always read the fine print. Legal contract disputes are often rooted in either party not reading the fine print thoroughly, so it adds another set of troubles. Feel free to demand changes when the terms are not in your favor as a client.