9 Things to Look for in a General Contractor
Choosing a general contractor can feel scary. You’ve probably heard a nightmare story or two from friends and family. You try to do your research, but at the end of the day, there isn’t much information out there to help you know what to look for. Any choice can feel like a gamble.
That’s why Foss & Company has created a list of 9 things that will give you peace of mind when selecting a good contractor. Read on below:
They work with your budget.
Good contractors work within your budget while setting healthy expectations. Communication is key as many variables contribute to the overall cost of a project. Experienced professionals consider everything that comes with a renovation, remodel, and/or new addition. Cost variables can include:
Layout
Home restrictions
Scope of work
Materials
Design choices
Unexpected developments
A good contractor will guide you through the best possible route to accomplish your dream project(s), considering time, materials, and cost.
They listen.
That home transformation you’ve been dreaming about? It is your project, your dream, and your vision. A good general contractor is your guide for every aspect of the execution of said vision. Your ideas should not be interrupted or overridden. A potential contractor should be interested in and curious about your inspiration (whether that be a Pinterest board, pictures, or something you saw in real life) and how you want the space to feel.
They have varied experience.
Choose someone with a wide breadth of experience in all manner of projects. Experts are experts for a reason. They have nuanced and specific skills. You don’t want a bathroom expert building your deck. A contractor should be a “jack of all trades,” working with vetted, expert subcontractors and selecting the right professional for your project. A simple way to confirm that your contractor will execute your vision is to check their website and social media for clear examples of completed work that represents your goal.
They’re not the lowest quote.
Lowballing is a marketing tactic. If you get quotes from several local contractors and one is much lower than the others, this could be a red flag, indicating that once they begin your project unaccounted costs will slowly, but surely, increase. Honest contractors strive to be realistic by meticulously estimating costs.
Foss & Company values diligence. Every week, we compare labor and material costs to our original estimate. It’s important to us to set realistic expectations for costs and delays, so we write change orders when the scope of work shifts. Sometimes we meet unexpected challenges like rot, and sometimes our clients get excited about their project and choose to add new elements halfway through. Whatever the reason, we use change orders to communicate changes in cost and timeline.
They value their team.
Contractors who speak highly of their team(s) demonstrate trust in the individuals who will actually execute the work in your home. It’s important they are professional, kind and the contractor’s trust in them is evident. Do they know their subcontractors by name and tell you a bit about them? If they have employees, do they enjoy working alongside them? These are important questions to consider.
They have a good reputation.
Check reviews thoroughly (Google, Houzz, Yelp, Better Business Bureau (BBB), etc). Ask for references. Ask your neighbors for recommendations and see if they’ve worked with anyone you’re looking into. A general contractor should have a good reputation within the community and online.
They keep everything in writing.
Contracts, estimates, proposals, change orders - they should all be in writing. A sign of a good general contractor is someone who is communicative, clear, transparent, and honest. Having records of all efforts protects both you and the contractor.
They’re responsive and communicative.
Communication is key.
How and when a general contractor interacts with you will vary in frequency. Their responsiveness to you in the early stages will be different than when they’re working in your home every day. No matter the stage, however, a good contractor and their team will prioritize a healthy response time, keep you up-to-date with the progress of your job, and communicate any changes/unexpected obstacles and their solutions.
Lastly, you like them.
You should have a good impression of your contractor. Perhaps you enjoy talking with them or you like what they stand for. Maybe they know your neighbor’s aunt’s cousin’s husband. Maybe you saw their sign outside someone’s home and noticed how clean the jobsite was. No matter what, having a good rapport with your general contractor and feeling comfortable doing business together is important.
Conclusion
Finding a credible, trustworthy contractor can feel like a major gamble, especially with the horror stories we all hear from time to time. But looking for and validating these 9 things will give you the peace of mind any homeowner deserves when hiring someone to bring their vision to life.
At Foss & Company, our process ensures you feel secure and confident from the initial consultation to the final result. Interested in working with us and learning all about our process? Click below, fill out our contact form, and we will schedule a time to connect with you!
