Are you ready to start construction on your property?
Starting construction is an exciting thought. But it can also be a little bit scary. You don’t want to start investing resources into a project only to have it fall through.
Below are some questions you need to ask a local construction company before you hire them. With these questions, you’ll find the right ones to hire for your construction project.
Read on and let’s get started.
1. Are You Licensed?
One of the most important questions to ask is whether they have a license. A licensed company is better equipped to handle the specific needs of a construction project. They are legally liable for the quality of their work and follow regulations enforced in their area.
It is important to ask for the license number and to verify it with the State Contractor’s License Board. By doing so, you’ll make sure that it is valid and that the company is properly bonded and insured.
Some common license requirements for construction contractors vary by state. But many of the same fundamentals apply.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have With This Kind of Work?
Before hiring a construction company, it is important to ask about their experience. Ask the company for specifics about the kinds of projects they have worked on in the past. As much as possible, ask about the experience of the professionals in their company.
You should also ask about the size and scope of the jobs they’ve undertaken in the past. Keep in mind that even small construction projects can be complex. Ask if the company has significant experience with the kind of projects you’re considering.
Inquire about any specialized training or qualifications they have. Ask if they have certifications and licenses related to the work they’ll be doing. Knowing the construction company’s experience can help you decide if they are the right company to hire.
3. Do You Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
One of the most important questions to ask is whether they carry workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance covers any costs associated with work-related injuries or illnesses. These could include compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, or funeral costs.
Knowing that the company has this insurance in place should give you peace of mind. With it, the employees and the work they are doing will be financially protected. It is important to understand exactly what is covered and what is not if something were to happen on the job.
Make sure to ask for the coverage details. This should include the amounts insured and the length of coverage.
Be sure to get the proper documentation for the insurance as well. These should include a copy of the policy, proof of payment, and a Certificate of Insurance.
4. Will You Be Hiring Sub-Contractors for This Project?
Sometimes, subcontractors are necessary to complete the job. This is often the case with large projects. Examples are commercial builds and renovations.
Hiring a subcontractor is not automatically a bad thing for a construction company. This is because subcontractors carry specializations in certain areas. They can provide extra resources that the construction company might not have.
Understanding the subcontractors involved in the project is crucial though. By doing so, you’ll make sure that you get the best quality work. Furthermore, it’s important to make sure that the subcontractors hired are adequately licensed.
5. Are You Comfortable Providing a List of Past Clients?
Requesting this info can help gauge the quality of work provided by the company. It also provides the opportunity to get first-hand feedback from those who have hired them in the past.
This can help ensure smoother projects further down the road. With this, you’ll understand the company’s capabilities and any potential areas for growth.
If they can’t provide a list of past clients, try considering other companies instead. This is because this could be indicative of the company’s lack of experience and reliability. If so, it will be difficult for them to deliver the desired results on time.
Asking for a list of past clients can give insight into the company’s commitment to customer service and quality work. This will help you make an educated decision when hiring a construction company.
6. What is a Realistic Timeline for This Project?
A realistic timeline for a construction project is essential to ensuring that the job is completed on time and within budget. A construction company should be able to provide you with a timeframe for the entire project.
This should cover the beginning to end, including start and end dates for each phase. The company should also be able to provide a detailed breakdown of costs associated with each step of the project.
It is important to keep in mind that timelines are always subject to change. This can be due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. So, it is always best to contact the construction company in advance and ask for a more specific timeline.
Generally speaking, a construction project can take anywhere from six to twelve months to complete. So, if you have a specific deadline in mind, it is best to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
7. How Many Projects Are You Currently Working On?
It is important to know how much work they are currently taking on. By asking them this, you’ll know if they are overburdened or underutilized.
Knowing how many projects they are currently working on helps you determine if they can handle the workload you need. You’ll find out if they can maintain the standard of quality you expect.
It also gives you an idea of the number of contractors they may have on staff and their functioning as a team. Moreover, you can determine how much support they can provide beyond the job. It’s important to know if they are available if any snags arise during the construction process.
8. Will You Take Care of the Building Permits?
It’s crucial to ask a construction company about its ability to handle building permits. Acquiring building permits can be a tricky process. And getting it wrong could potentially delay progress and add to the project costs.
Making sure the company can handle filing the permit ensures that the project can proceed on time. Ask the company if they have an in-house specialist to deal with the process. Also, ask them to provide examples of previously handled permits and the results.
They need to have an in-house specialist. If they don’t you might need to hire a separate one for the permits. This in turn can add up to the costs of the project.
Knowing that the company knows how to get and maintain building permits gives you the confidence that the project will stay on track. You wouldn’t want the project to finish without knowing if the appropriate permits are in place.
9. Who Will Purchase the Materials?
When searching for a construction company, always ask who will be purchasing the materials. It is important to find out who is paying for the raw materials for the project. This lets you know who will be responsible for the cost and if there is a way to negotiate the prices.
Additionally, knowing this will give you insight into the company’s operations. This will give you a better idea of the way that they manage their projects.
Also, it will help you understand the quality of the materials that the company is likely to use and the efficiency with which they get them. If the company is unwilling to tell you, then it may be a sign that you should look somewhere else. Transparency should be among your top priorities.
10. What Happens if You Find Something Unexpected?
It is never ideal to find unexpected issues during a project. But, something may inevitably arise. Before hiring a construction company, it is important to ask what their plan is should an unexpected issue arise. Questions may include, “What is the process if extra work is required?” or “What is the procedure if existing conditions change?”
Also, you may want to ask if they can assess and provide a price estimate on the cost of the extra work before moving forward. This is because it may cause delays in the overall completion of the project.
Lastly, it is important to ask what they will do if an unexpected issue is not discovered until after the project is complete. Being prepared for these issues can save time and money throughout the project.
11. Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Up?
Before contracting a construction company, it is important to ask questions about clean-up. There are certain aspects that you should know of before moving forward.
Who is ultimately responsible? Are any extra costs included in the service fee? And is the clean-up process included in the timeline?
Asking questions will help you to assess the level of commitment the contractor is making to a clean, efficient job site. Make sure that they follow all relevant rules and regulations on clean-up.
Furthermore, ensure that the company is willing to take the time to detail what to expect when it comes to the cleanup process. This is so that any issues can get addressed before the job begins. It is also a good idea to confirm who’s responsible for removing debris and disposing of it properly.
12. What Is the Payment Schedule?
You should inquire about the down payment to start, payment terms, and the frequency of payment as the job progresses. Some companies will need full payment upfront. Meanwhile, others may be more flexible and have plenty of options for payment.
To make the process go smoothly for both parties, there are some things that you should keep in mind. Below are some of these things.
Understand the Details of the Payment Plan
If the construction contractor offers a payment plan, make sure you understand the details. Of course, you need to make sure that you can afford it. By doing this, you’ll know what you need to do on your end.
Know the Late Payment and Financing Charges
You should also inquire about late payment and financing charges. Knowing this will help you avoid potential complications and misunderstandings. Also, this will give you peace of mind as the project progresses and allow you to plan for the project.
You Have the Right to Negotiate
Finally, always remember that you have the right to negotiate payment terms. You don’t have to accept an unfair payment schedule if you don’t want to. There are plenty of options out there so don’t be afraid to look somewhere else if you’re not happy with the current agreement.
13. What About Your After-Service Support?
After-service support should always be one of your top considerations. This includes any warranty or service plan that comes with the job. Having some kind of guarantee after services are provided will ensure that any issues get resolved on time.
Find out if the construction professionals offer free follow-ups or scheduled maintenance. This will ensure that all the work they did is up to code. If they do offer warranties, ask what kind of timeframe they cover.
It’s also important to learn how their customer service team operates. This is so that you can make sure any problems are quickly resolved should they arise. The more information you can gather, the smoother the process will be.
Hire a Local Construction Company
Hiring a local construction company is the best choice if you want quality work and fair prices. They understand the area and have a wealth of knowledge and connections in the community.
With the questions stated above, you’ll be able to find the best contractor for your needs. Get started today and find your local construction company to get the job done right.
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