Looking for the right contractor for your project is just as essential as looking for the best construction suppliers in the Philippines. It’s important not to rush the process but to consider your options wisely and carefully before choosing who to work with.
What to Consider When Choosing a General Contractor
Consider the following aspects when looking for a general contractor who best suits your needs:
Location and coverage area
Verify the location and area of coverage with your potential contractor. While some are willing to take on projects that may be far from their base, local contractors usually know the laws and regulations applicable to your specific area.
Licensing and insurance
Most projects that involve construction will require licenses and permits. You want to work with a contractor who will do things legally—not cut corners and cause you to run into trouble eventually. Find a contractor who has the necessary paperwork to complete your project legally. Check their insurance, so if something goes wrong at the job site, you’re fully covered.
Areas of specialty
Some projects require contractors who have certain specializations. Consider factors like construction types, building materials, and commercial applications. For example, if you will be working with prefabricated steel, you’ll want someone who has experience in that area or is willing to hire a specialty contractor to get the job done the right way.
Previous work experience
Find out what other projects your potential contractor has worked on. Check ratings, reviews, and referrals from people who have used their services. Be diligent in doing your research as past projects are an indicator of the quality of their work. Sometimes, it may even be better to get a contractor who has worked with someone you know if they can confidently recommend the general contractor.
Initial communications
As you reach out to them, pay attention to how they respond. Was it easy to get in touch with them? Did they readily and easily answer your questions? Are they easy to get along with? You’ll be communicating with them frequently and working closely, so it’s good to see how you get along with them from the start.
Timeline
During your discussions with them, bring up your timeline and requirements. Can they commit to starting and finishing your project according to your timeline? Do they feel confident about hitting your target? Asking questions like these will help you determine if you should hire them or not.
Costs
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a project, costs can be a sensitive subject. However, be upfront about what you want to happen and how much you expect to pay. Your contractor may have a different pricing that could drive up your costs. Always check price points and quotes as pricing discrepancies can become a big deal if you’re not careful.
Questions to Ask a Potential Contractor
Do you have a license for this kind of work?
What kind of insurance do you have?
Can you provide references for similar projects that you’ve completed recently?
What is the timeline for my project?
Who is part of your team? Will you hire subcontractors?
How will you supervise my project?
What are your payment terms? What does the payment schedule look like?
How will you handle work scope and price changes?
What challenges do you foresee in this project?
Will you be the one to handle all the necessary permits and paperwork?
Why is Finding the Right Contractor for Your Project Important?
If you want your project to be successful, it starts with finding the right contractor.
The Right Contractor Saves You Money and Stress
Construction projects require a lot of flexibility. Unfortunately, not every contractor is upfront about what you will need to get a project done. This is why you will often see clients having to spend a lot more money during a construction project—usually a lot more than they originally budgeted in the first place.
The Right Contractor Will Get the Job Done According to Your Timeline
Working with a reliable contractor is key to ensuring that your project stays on schedule. You want to find someone who can work efficiently and effectively—not someone who provides constant delays and excuses.
The Right Contractor Gives You Quality Work
When working on a construction project, you want to partner with someone skilled and experienced—not someone who will cut corners to get the work done. Getting the right contractor gives you high-quality workmanship, materials, and attention to detail.
Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor
Before you say yes to working with a contractor, here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
Get Several Proposals to Compare Them
It can be tempting to sign with the first contractor who seems to offer an okay deal. However, it’s best to check all your possible options before you decide on the one that best fits what you’re looking for.
Pay special attention to key sections, including:
Insurance
Cost
Timelines
Scope of work
Risk management
Policy on change orders
While reviewing proposals, you can also use this time to ask questions or clarify anything that may be unclear with a potential contractor.
Check References
One way to help you evaluate a contractor before hiring them is to do reference checks. Reviewing their track record and experience is not enough to determine if they will deliver the results you want.
You can ask for a client list they’ve worked with before and contact them. Ask them questions like:
Did you experience any delays with the contractor? If yes, why?
Did the project exceed the initial budget you both agreed on? If yes, why?
Did you have conflicts or disputes with the contractor? How did they deal with them?
How did they communicate with you? Were they responsive and active in providing updates?
Have a Clear Project Timeline
Even at the start while you’re in talks with your potential contractor, it’s important to clear everything from costs to your project’s timeline. You want to make sure both your expectations are aligned from the start. If you or your contractor have doubts about the project, now is the time to clear them and get on the same page.
Put Everything in Writing
Before you start your project, make sure you have everything in a contract—every single, little detail. This is to prevent possible mishaps and misunderstandings that could happen in the future. Even if the contractor is a friend or someone you’ve worked with before, it’s still important to have a contract between you. If they won’t put everything in writing, you may want to consider getting a different contractor.
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