SIX SECRETS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR!

Secret #5: How To Tell If Your Construction Project Will Run Smoothly, Before You Sign The Contract

Good communication is the key to determining how the rest of the project will go.

If you can talk with each other, you can work out any details that come up. When you leave a message, does he return your call? Does he return a page promptly? Will he listen to you? Nothing is more important than feeling like your contractor understands your needs and concerns. If your contractor is so busy that he can't return calls or pages promptly, maybe it's time to look for a new contractor. When you're in a discussion, does the contractor really listen to you? Really listen? This is vital.

Do you feel comfortable or is there a chemistry with the Contractor?

If you feel "comfortable" with your contractor the chances are good your project will run smoothly. Ask yourself, do you feel comfortable with this person? Do you find this person nice? Considerate? Personable? A listener? Were they polite and courteous? Or did they make you feel that they weren't interested? You will be working with this person for a matter of days, weeks, or months depending on the deck project... can you stand to have this person around?

If you believe your contractor is trustworthy, the likelihood of a successful project is good.

Check his references. Please keep in mind that if your project will entail entrance into your home and you won't be home during the day, the keys to your castle will be given to your contractor. Can you trust him? Listen to your conscience.

What is the Communications plan for your project?

If your contractor is willing to give you a written schedule of how the project will progress you'll be provided a verifiable timetable for the both of you. A good contractor will be happy to provide this for you. How long will the project take? Ask for a reasonable estimate of how long the project will take until completion. You want to hire a good contractor, not a new roommate! You don't want to feel like you're at the doctor's office and have to keep asking the receptionist, "How much longer do I have to wait to see the doctor?" Nothing is more frustrating to a homeowner than a remodel that runs way over schedule. Get a written schedule.

Understand the quote.

If the Contractor gives you a written proposal that includes all the details - exact materials, costs, payment schedules and time of completion spelled out. This avoids misinterpretations and confusion.

Communicate with your municipality, your neighbors, and with your contractor.

Many municipalities have their own specialized requirements that may need to be addressed before starting your project. Make sure you or your contractor call your municipality and inquire. Let neighbors know you will be installing or replacing your deck. Communicate to them the days construction will be happening and the hours the contractor will be working. No need to have them awakened bright and early by the sound of a bull dozer that just pulled alongside their bedroom window! Most neighborhood tensions can be defused with a little talking. Get the "details" worked out with your contractor. Will there be a dumpster? Where will it go? You don't want it right in front of your storage shed where you keep your golf clubs! Make sure access isn't blocked to and from the site. Often times large construction vehicles need to get by. What time will construction start in the morning? End in the evening? Are they going to be there on weekends?

Be flexible.

If you allow some flexibility into your lifestyle the project will run smoother. Building is an interruption in the "normal" way you do things.

How does your Contractor conduct themselves?

If your contractor has a neat appearance, this is a very good sign of things to come. This may sound silly but it's not. He doesn't have to show up in a coat and tie but neatness does count.

Money required up front?

If the contractor asks for a big chunk of money up front. This could be a tip-off that they are not in good financial shape and you could be in for a rocky experience. An acceptable amount for a down payment is 10%. As the work progresses, you should expect to pay out additional funds to match the prescribed, completed stages. Be wary if a contractor asks for a large initial deposit!

Work out in advance how "change orders" are to be handled.

In a large project, it's not unusual for a specification to be changed. If there will be a change to the contract, make sure you sign a change order form that spells out what's to be done and how much it will cost.

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