When hiring a general contractor, it is very important to understand that the cheapest labor and materials can often times cost more than hiring a professional. It is important for you to understand the difference between hiring a general contractor versus hiring a residential designer or a landscape architect. A professional will have many years of experience that they can bring to your project. They will know what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to different types of projects. A homeowner does not have years of experience, but they can still benefit from hiring a professional designer/ecologist.
Another important factor is communication. It is important for you to understand that a general contractor can communicate better than you. The reason for this is because a contractor is dealing with the walls, floors, foundation, etc. on a daily basis, which gives them a better understanding of what you need done than you do.
One other thing to keep in mind is the timeline of your project. Sometimes hiring a contractor to handle your project can be more time consuming than hiring another individual. This is especially true if you are having any major construction projects such as additions or remodeling.
Now that you have made the decision that hiring a general contractor is right for you, it is important for you to get price quotes. Make sure that you ask for all expenses up front, including allowances. There are many contractors who will offer you a set rate. Others will require an upfront deposit before they will begin any work.
There is one very important thing that you should not do. You should never let the contractor you are considering working on your home until you are absolutely sure that you are 100% satisfied with the job that they are doing. There have been many homeowners who hired a contractor only to later find out that they could not finish the project that they had hired them for. This has left them with an unsatisfactory building and a lot of money spent for materials. It is far better to make a good decision and hire a reputable contractor then it is to put your home and family at risk.
Finally, be very cautious when hiring a contractor. You need to make sure that you know who you are hiring. If you see anything that seems sketchy, do not continue to work with them. Always check to see if the person that you are talking to is licensed and bonded. Make sure that they are familiar with local building codes. A good contractor will always take care of these kinds of things before they begin working on your home.