When building your dream house (or taking on a renovation project), you will need the help and expertise of a general contractor to help ensure everything is done accordingly.
General contractors will not only work with the property owners during the construction process, they will also directly manage the construction project.
If you are wondering why contractors should have insurance, it's because they have subcontractors and specialists that work for them and handle a vast array of tasks, including heating, plumbing, painting, and roofing.
In addition, if the construction work done does not match the building plans, it is the general contractor's responsibility to make the necessary corrections and changes.
General Contractors: Top Qualities to Look For
Before you sign on the dotted line, getting the right people to work for you is crucial. When looking for the best general contractor, below are some of the important traits you should look for:
Experience
The best general contractors are tradesmen with substantial experience in every facet of construction—from designing, building, and even basic repairs. While many general contractors hire subcontractors, it is considered ideal that they have a clear idea of how to do the jobs themselves.
Aside from skills, experience can also play a key role as they are the ones tasked to schedule any work that needs to be done. They need to also ensure that every subcontractor will be able to complete their tasks on time and to the highest level of quality.
Integrity
When you work with a general contractor who values integrity, you can rest assured they won't overcharge you. They will also do what you agreed upon and stand behind every aspect of the project they oversee. Understandably, this is no guarantee everything will be done perfectly.
However, with a general contractor with integrity, you can expect any mistakes to be rectified as soon as possible. You can also trust that they would act responsibly when disposing trash and keeping the work site clean and organized.
Reputation
When you experience great service, you will likely tell your relatives, friends, family, and anyone else that asks about it. The reputation of a general contractor (or any professional for that matter) is directly proportionate to the quality of the service and work they offer.
One of the best ways to find out about a prospective general contractor's reputation would be to read reviews and talk to previous clients. It would also be a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Listening Skills
Since it is your home that is being renovated or built, your voice should be the loudest. In line with this, you should discuss what you want with your chosen general contractor and why you want it. It is also important to keep in mind that their job is not to convince you to do things their way; it's to do things as you wish.
Understandably, there will be times when what you want is either cost-prohibitive or structurally impossible. In similar scenarios, it is the general contractor's job to explain why certain things cannot be done as you wish. It is also ideal that the general contractor provides other alternatives to help you achieve your objectives.
Flexibility
Flexibility refers to your general contractor's skill set and ability to change schedules to ensure work is completed on time. Construction projects can involve painting, plumbing, window installation, and roofing, among other things.
That said, you will need a general contractor who is willing and able to take on all the aspects of the project within the agreed timeframe. This can mean working extra hours, evenings, and even weekends—the true essence of flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Apart from the traits listed above, you need to ensure that your selected general contractor is licensed. While this is not exactly a trait, this is one of the most important aspects a general contractor needs to have.
In some states, general contractors that alter or construct a building are required to have a license. A license can help ensure a contractor has the right skills and training to provide the highest quality of work.
Author :
Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.
