Seven Factors to Consider When Hiring a General Contractor in Mesa, AZ

Are you building a home or considering extensive renovations to your existing home? If so, you might be in the market for a general contractor in Mesa, AZ.

Whatever your home project or renovation may be, it’s important to take the time to hire the best general contractor for your needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing a contractor:

• Interview several contractors: Talk to friends, family and colleagues for references, along with anyone else you think may have valuable input. Meet with several contractors and obtain written bids from each so that you can make the most informed decision.
• Select the appropriate contractor for your needs: Look for someone who has specifically performed the work that you want done, rather than someone who has never completed that type of job before but has performed good work in another area.
• Look into the contractor’s records and licenses: If you’ve identified a general contractor or subcontractor you might want to hire, check your state’s or municipality’s Better Business Bureau, disciplinary boards and court records. Make sure the professional you hire is licensed and that there haven’t been any lawsuits or significant problems. Also, be sure to ask your general contractor for a copy of his or her license, as well as license information for any subcontractors who will contribute significantly.
• Be very clear about the work you need done before getting estimates: While contractors obviously have a great deal of knowledge about the particular tasks they perform, you are the one who knows the most about your vision and needs for your project. You’re more likely to get an accurate estimate if you can communicate clearly and specifically the work you want done and what materials you’d like the general contractor to use.
• Budget for a larger amount than the estimate: Though you and your contractor can work carefully to come up with the likely potential amount you will owe, costs can come up along the way that may add 10 to 15 percent or more to the estimate you’re given.
• Sign a contract: The contract you sign should state very clearly the work that will be done, along with deadlines, payment dates, what exact materials will be used and who will supply each material. If you don’t feel that the contractor’s document contains enough details, you can create your own or make additions. Any changes in the project mean that a written change order should be drafted with the necessary specific details.
• Communicate clearly and openly: You’ll need to determine when the contractor can perform work in your home and with how much notice, as well as what cleanup tasks the workers will perform each day, among other related topics. Also, plan to talk to the contractor often, perhaps even every day, to check in. Make sure you immediately address any questions or issues you spot.

Now that you know more about what to look for, you may be ready to start hunting for the best general contractor in Mesa, AZ, who you can count on to get the job done correctly and on time. Contact The Home Improvement Club today with any specific questions and to learn more about our services!

Categorised in: Uncategorized

This post was written by wdecker