The general contractor you choose for your project must be experienced, trustworthy, and professional. It also helps if they’re flexible and have the necessary skill sets to accommodate your requests.
A good general contractor like Bomar Construction will never rest on their laurels and stick with tried-and-true methods for seeing construction projects through to completion. They’re always looking for ways to improve existing processes and pave the way for new ones.
1. Experience
A seasoned contractor has a more refined skill set. They are more aware of the pitfalls of a construction project and can handle them efficiently. This leads to a project with fewer mistakes and hiccups, which is good news for the property owner.
A skilled GC knows how to manage the timeline and budget for your project. They also have excellent communication skills and can easily answer your questions and concerns. Additionally, they have experience handling insurance claims and warranty service complaints. In addition, they are licensed and carry adequate liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This helps protect the property owner from any financial repercussions in case of accidents during the building process. They also follow local regulations regarding construction permits. This ensures that the construction project is done according to the building codes.
2. Reputation
The reputation of any professional, including general contractors, is directly proportional to the quality of their work and service. A crooked contractor could charge more than they should or hire low-skilled laborers to damage your home. A poor GC might also make costly project management mistakes or fail to secure necessary permits.
When looking for a reputable GC, ask friends and family for referrals. Once you have a list of potential candidates, interview each one. Check their licenses and insurance, as well as online reviews.
A reliable GC will have years of experience overseeing large construction projects. They will know how to ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently while staying within budget. They will also have a solid working relationship with local suppliers and subcontractors, saving you money on materials and labor costs.
3. Flexibility
A contractor with exceptional organizational skills will prioritize communication and be ready to respond to any concerns as they arise. They will also understand that each client has unique requirements and will take care to adapt their style accordingly.
A GC should be able to manage the building project and stay within budget. They will also be able to handle any challenges during the construction process, such as unexpected delays or weather conditions.
They will know when it’s time to seek out a professional for assistance. They will also be able to determine the best fee structure for the project, whether that’s a flat rate or percentage-based fee. A GC will also be flexible with their schedule, as they may need to attend meetings or home inspections on short notice.
4. Integrity
A general contractor who values integrity will put their client’s interests above their own. They will work with other contractors to ensure everyone works on the project efficiently, within budget, and meets deadlines. This will also help to avoid future problems like missed appointments, miscommunication, poor-quality work, and shoddy customer service.
This is because a person with integrity will always act on their principles, regardless of the pressures or consequences. On the other hand, a person without integrity will only act on what is in their immediate self-interest.
5. Honesty
The most honest general contractors put the client’s interests above their own and treat their work as a serious undertaking. This translates into transparent communication, timely project completion, and quality artistry that reflects respect for the project’s purpose.
Honesty also means that a general contractor is upfront about pricing and materials. A legitimate contractor will provide a detailed bid that includes the expected timeline for project completion and all other necessary details. They will also be conscientious about change orders, as most jobs include unforeseen issues that must be addressed quickly.
Final Words
While choosing a general contractor who offers the lowest price may seem like a good idea, remember that an unethical contractor can try to steal money in various ways: for example, they could cut corners, use substandard materials, or charge you excessively with “change orders.” Be sure to get bids from at least three contractors before deciding.