If you’re about to start looking for a general contractor, you need to find someone that you trust for a job. Whether you want office build-outs, home renovation, or something else entirely, it’s crucial to find someone you’ll work well with to get the job done.
You need to be aware of what you’re looking for while hiring and even after you’ve settled on a contractor, to help the end result be the best it can be.
Here are some essential tips for working with a general contractor in St Petersburg, FL.
MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A LICENSE
The first thing you should do before proceeding with any remodeling contractor is to check that they’ve met all of the requirements and have a license. Not only does this make sure they have the appropriate qualifications to do the work, but it makes sure of other things — like they have insurance.
All of these things are important, and a license number covers them. Any general contracting company that can’t provide a license number is a red flag.
ASK FOR PICTURES
Many general contractors in St Petersburg, FL, will have pictures available on the website of their past work. If they do, make sure to browse through them to check that they do similar things to the end result that you picture and, more importantly, that they’re capable on the job.
If they don’t have pictures available, ask for them. Try to get pictures close to your project, so you can assure yourself that they know how to do what you’re looking for.
For example, if they’ll be building an office space, there’s little point in you judging their home renovation work.
READ REVIEWS OR ASK FOR REFERENCES
Asking for references from friends and family can be key to finding a contractor, as they may have someone to recommend that did an amazing job. They may even have a suggestion for someone you shouldn’t hire, helping to narrow down your first.
Reading third-party reviews may be even more helpful. 84% of people trust online reviews just as much as their friends and family, and their right to because these reviews are left by unbiased third parties.
The company should have a good overall score, and you can read the especially high and low reviews to see what they did well and what they didn’t.
ASK FOR AN ITEMIZED QUOTE
Before agreeing to anything, you need to have a quote in hand. It’s also a good idea to ask for an itemized quote, so you can see where the money is going.
There’s another reason to ask for an itemized quote though. While people often go with the cheapest quote offered, it’s often so inexpensive because they include fewer services and perks. Having an itemized quote lets you compare things better, as you can see if the company is including anything that others aren’t.
Cheaper isn’t always better.
BE AWARE OF THEIR AVAILABILITY
Being aware of a contractor’s availability is important not only because it lets you know how soon they can get the job done, but it’s also important to be aware of their availability throughout the job. You need to know when you can contact them for questions and updates, and when you can expect answers.
It’s also a good idea to ask them what their preferred method of contact is. Some people will respond quickly to texts whereas others prefer phone calls.
PREPARE FOR SETBACKS
Due to the nature of a construction job, there’s a chance that there will be setbacks. It happens and, unless it’s clearly the fault of the contractor, it’s nothing to worry about and nothing you can’t overcome together.
Plan for these setbacks. If the job is supposed to take two weeks, don’t bank on that, and allow yourself a few extra days. Consider it a bonus if things are done on time!
INSPECT WORK REGULARLY
As well as planning for setbacks, you should be an active part of the process. While there should be no need to micromanage if you’ve hired contractors that you trust, keeping an eye on the progress so you can make adjustments as necessary is a much better idea than realizing at the end that you want something changed.
Check in with your contractor and set times for you to update each other. This will really help smooth out the process and prevent any problems.
THINK OF THEM AS A PARTNER
More than anything, you should think of your general contractor as a partner. The two of you are working together to bring a vision to life, and you each have equally important roles to play.
Keep communication transparent, and never be afraid to ask questions and give answers. An open flow of conversation will see you through and ensure everything goes well and the end result is something that you’re happy with.
You should also consider this during the initial hiring stage. If you can’t see someone as a partner, they may not be the right contractor for you.
THIS IS HOW TO WORK WITH A GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN ST PETERSBURG, FL
Working with a general contractor in St Petersburg, FL, can seem like a daunting task — especially if you’ve never done it before. However, that doesn’t mean your project shouldn’t be a success and you can’t build a great relationship.
Do your research during the hiring process and keep up to date during the project, and you can’t go wrong.
Looking for a trusted, reliable contractor in the area? Contact us today at C-Cubed Commercial Construction and let’s see what we can do for you. We’ll reply within twenty-four hours!