Building a home or flipping an old property is undeniably hard work. There are a lot of things to think about and take care of. Not to mention, you need to attend to other important things in your life. This is why it is always wise to hire a contractor or a project manager. And finding the right one actually takes a few questions.
Whether you’re building a home on new land for sale or just doing a minor renovation, you need to work with a contractor who understands you well. To gauge if your contractor actually knows your goals, here are some questions you need to ask them:
How long have you been in the industry?
Contractors who have been in operation for many years certainly have the experience. They already know the ins and outs of the trade, and they can offer you some pieces of wise advice. And if you are gauging a potential supplier’s experience, you need to ask how long they have been in the industry. However, you should not always be too focused on the length of service. It is still worth looking into new contracting businesses, especially if they have a strong and impressive portfolio. Moreover, younger contractors usually have more affordable rates.
How do you do timelines?
During home building or renovation, time is always of the essence. The more time you spend building your home, the more money you will lose in the long run. With this in mind, you need to ask your contractor how they do the project’s timing. This will give you a peek into how cost-efficient they are operating. In the bidding phase, you may request a detailed or estimated timeline to gauge their efficiency. The timeline they have proposed will also help you make arrangements around the project, such as ordering the materials or scheduling the demolition.
Who will be the point person?
There will be many people working on the project, but rest assured, there will be a project manager. The project manager will oversee the progress of the home building or renovation. However, you also need to ask for another contact person if some problems arise or you have direct questions to the contractor. This is especially needed just in case there will be some issues or disputes regarding the contract.
How much?
This is among the most important questions you need to ask, especially if you’re still in the shopping phase. Before you decide to pay the down payment, make sure you have thoroughly researched the market prices. When paying, understand the terms of the contract and ask questions in case you notice something vague.
Don’t forget this one!
In case you have picked a contractor for your project, you should not forget to put everything in writing. Aside from contract, decisions on changes and adjustments should also be noted to avoid confusion and the blame game in the end. If you feel unsure, do not hesitate to seek the help of an expert.