How to Choose the Best Contractor for the Job
Choosing the right general contractor for your next home construction project is no easy feat.
There are dozens of general contractors to choose from. You need a professional with the skill, knowledge, and integrity to get the job done correctly, and that will not rush the process or cut corners or skip steps just to satisfy an unrealistic timeline.
Communication and trust are key to finding the perfect fit for you. Find someone who understands your needs and is experienced in turning your visions into reality. Weekly Progress Reports of daily activities, throughout the previous work week, and forecasted expectations of at least two weeks in advance are paramount to everyone involved.
Clients have homework assignments that must coincide with ongoing dynamic construction schedules, announcing those assignments two weeks in advance has proven to be the most effective and reactive time frame.
While the process of looking for the perfect general contractor might be daunting, it is not impossible. There is an ideal fit for you out there, it’s just a matter of finding them.
Old School Craftsman is here to help. We have assembled a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect general contractor.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Contractor
Don’t get overwhelmed by the options. Use the guide below to help you identify the best general contractor for your next home renovation project.
Get Recommendations and Look at Reviews
The best general contractors may not be the ones you find on Google. Instead, ask around. Survey friends, family, and coworkers for friendly advice. Word of Mouth referrals is key!
Chances are someone you know has worked with a great general contractor in the past. Word-of-mouth recommendations will help you create a list of general contractors you can trust.
Always go local. Avoid corporations and amateurs. You need someone who takes pride in their work, knows the value of a job well done, and is invested in the local community.
Get in Touch
Now that you have a rough list of a few names, you can start your search for the right craftsman for you.
Go down the list and give each name a call.
Ask them the following:
- Do they construct projects in your size and scale? (Old School Craftsman DOES.)
- Do they give Guaranteed Fixed-Price Contracts? (Old School Craftsman DOES.)
- Do they require money down prior to beginning? (Old School Craftsman DOES NOT.)
- Do they have previous clients you can reference? (Old School Craftsman DOES.)
- How many other projects will they have while they work at your home? (Old School Craftsman constructs one project at a time. No other project is more important than yours. In fact, the owner of Old School Craftsman will be on your project every day)
- Do they have any subcontractors? How long have they been working together? (Old School Craftsman does and with personal relationships of 30 plus years. We are all very good friends)
Meet Face-to-Face
Based on your phone call, narrow down a list of three names you feel most comfortable with.
Schedule a meeting. Use that time to discuss your budget parameters and a realistic period for construction.
The best fit will be able to answer your questions as quickly as you can ask them.
Immediately put your mind at ease.
Investigate
Before you accept:
Look through written proposals, call up the references provided and look up pictures of the craftsman’s finished products. Carefully review their business website, blogs, and social media platforms to see what they have to offer.
By appointment, you can ask to visit current sites to gauge working conditions. Are the workers acting professionally? Are they safe? Is there a mess of tools lying around?
Speak with the homeowner directly and see if they are living up to what they have promised from the onset.
Remember the general contractor and his crew will be working in your home. A well-managed work site usually translates to a job well done.
Get Bids
Preparing a thoroughly written proposal, a general contractor will want blueprints and to fully understand your budget parameters and any timeframes or deadlines that may interfere with their current workload.
A professional general contractor will have your bill laid out clearly and concisely with no room for misinterpretation.
Choose the Right Price
It’s time to pick your craftsman.
You should have a few bids to choose from. You do not automatically want to pick the lowest price tag. Rather you should fully read the detailed proposal and understand where the value is and not what the price is. Low prices usually yield low value. The right contractor will not usually be the cheapest one.
Go for the craftsman with the best communication skills and a fair price. Do not be afraid to pay extra for superior skills.
Remember your home improvement projects are an investment. The better the work, the more the investment will pay off overall and the longer your smile.
Draw up the Contract and Set up a Payment Schedule
Detail every step of the process. Include the following:
- Payment schedule.
- Before the work begins, you need to have a clear payment plan.
- Proof of General Liability, Truck, and additional Umbrella Insurance. Watch for effective date expirations.
- Required jurisdiction licenses allowing them to work on your project
- A Projected Start and a realistic end date
- Status of Building Permit or other necessary approvals (HOA, Zoning, etc.)
- Partial and Final Lien releases from subcontractors be handled
Enjoy Superior Craftsmanship
If you follow these steps, you will find a superior craftsman. Now all you must do is sit back, let the pros do their work, and answer any questions they have for you.
It may take some time to complete your project. But when it is done you will have a beautiful new home feature, you can enjoy for years to come.
The Right Craftsman for the Job
A thorough search is important when you are looking to upgrade your home. You do not want to choose just anyone.
Your home is your most important asset, you need the most skilled craftsman you can find.
Looking for a superior craftsman with the skills and work ethic to get the job done right the first time? Why not consider Old School Craftsman.
Old School Craftsman could be the perfect fit for your home project. We are a family-run business, and we understand the importance of trust and the value of communication. Reach out to Old School Craftsman, right now, today, for the most skilled craftsmanship in Southwest Ohio.