What to Look for When Choosing a General Contractor for Your Next Project

It’s time for your next home improvement project! But before picking out paint colors and tile patterns, you need to find the right general contractor. This is not a decision to be taken lightly – a contractor will oversee the entire project from start to finish. They can make or break the building project, so you must take the time to find the right one. Here are useful qualities to look for when considering hiring a new build contractor:

A good reputation

This is the most important thing to look for in a general contractor. A general contractor with a good track record is likely to do a good job on your project. They have multiple past clients to vouch for their quality of work. And, if something goes wrong, they’re more likely to make it right. You can check a contractor’s reputation by asking around for referrals or searching online for reviews from former clients about their past projects. You can also contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to get a list of reputable contractors. This will reduce the likelihood of conflict with your contractor later.

Communication skills

A good contractor should be able to communicate effectively. This is important for two reasons. First, you need to understand each other to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to problems down the road. Second, effective communication will help keep the project on track. There will be many moving parts to your project, and a good contractor can keep everyone at the job site- from the workers to you – updated on the latest developments.

Flexibility

Things change, and a good contractor should be able to adapt accordingly. You may change your mind about the color of the walls halfway through the project. Maybe the weather doesn’t cooperate and the project gets delayed. Whatever the case, a good contractor should be able to adjust their plans accordingly. This flexibility will help ensure that your project is completed to your satisfaction.

Plenty of experience

You want a general contractor with plenty of experience in the type of project you’re undertaking. They should be familiar with the materials and techniques that will be used. They should also know how to deal with any potential problems that could arise. An experienced contractor will likely complete your project on time and within budget. Ideally, go for a contractor with experience with projects of similar scope and size.

A fair price

You don’t want to overpay for the right contractor, but you also don’t want to go too cheap. A good rule of thumb is to get three estimates before choosing a contractor. This will give you a sense of your project’s market rate. Once you have the estimates, you can choose the contractor who offers the best cost estimate- the one who provides the most bang for your buck.

Good payment terms

Ideally, you want a reputable contractor who offers competitive payment terms. This means they’re willing to work with you to create a payment schedule that meets your needs. They should also be upfront about their pricing so there are no surprises down the road. For example, some contractors charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Make sure you understand how your contractor will bill you on average square foot cost before you sign on the dotted line.

On-time delivery

You want a contractor who can complete the project on time. This might seem like an obvious requirement, but it’s important to remember that things can and sometimes do go wrong. A good contractor will have a contingency plan to deal with potential problems. This will help ensure that your project is done by the initial completion date.

Warranties and guarantees

A good contractor should offer a guarantee on their work. This will protect you in case something goes wrong after the project is completed. Make sure you understand the terms of the warranty before you agree to it. If they are also supplying materials for the project, check to see if the manufacturer offers a warranty on those as well.

Meet the team

When you’re interviewing a potential contractor for your home renovation, it’s important to ask about their qualifications and experience and the subcontractors they work with. For instance, if you’re renovating an entire home, you’ll likely deal with multiple service professionals, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, flooring professionals and more. You’ll be dealing with the contractor’s team regularly, so it’s important to ensure that you’re comfortable with both the contractor and their subcontractors. Good questions to ask include who the contractor uses for certain renovation projects, what kind of background checks they conduct for all subcontractors, and how much time the contractor personally spends overseeing the renovation.

Good customer service

You should expect good customer service from your contractor. This means they should be responsive to your questions and concerns. They should also be available when you need them. If you have a problem, they should work with you to resolve it promptly and effectively.

High-quality work

Last but not least, you want the right contractor who will do a good job. This means paying attention to detail and using high-quality materials. Ensure that the particular contractor will also clean up after themselves when the job is done. You should be left with a finished product that you’re happy with.

Your trusted local general contractors!

Whether you’re looking to renovate your home or build a new one, the general contractor in Hillsboro OR you choose goes a long way to determining the project’s success. We offer competitive prices and payment terms, on-time delivery, and high-quality workmanship. Contact David Green Construction to get started on your next remodeling, renovation, or home addition construction project! You can give us a call today for exceptional service!

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