The decision to build a new home or begin a renovation is a big one. Whether your project is commercial or residential, getting started can involve a lot of time and effort on your part. Getting recommendations from friends and family on a contractor they have worked with is a great way to get started!
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to schedule an introductory phone call or face-to-face meeting so you can speak with your potential contractor in person. This first meeting is the ideal opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for what working together would be like. As you’re interviewing potential contractors, keep the following tips in mind to help make the process of getting construction quotes quicker and easier.
Make sure they’re licensed and insured.
Working with a contractor who isn’t properly licensed and insured is asking for trouble. Licenses are a clear indicator that your potential contractor has taken the necessary classes and exams to ensure they fully understand how to do their job right. It also shows that they have extensive knowledge of building codes, permitting requirements, and safety procedures. When interviewing contractors, don’t hesitate to ask for their license number.
Similarly, it’s just as essential to make sure your potential contractor is properly insured. Without an adequate insurance policy, someone who is hurt while working on your project could potentially hold you liable for their injuries. Always ask for proof of insurance before committing to working with any contractor.
Research their past work.
There’s no harm in asking prospective contractors if you can connect with one of their previous clients as a reference. You should also check the contractor’s online reviews, as these can be a good indicator of whether they have plenty of happy customers or not.
Additionally, a good contractor will be happy to show you pictures of their past work. Many companies, Elite Home Construction included, will feature photo galleries online with plenty of pictures detailing past projects. By looking at our gallery, you can take a look at the wide variety of projects we’ve worked on, get an idea of our design strategy, and take a look at our creative process once it’s come to life.
Ask questions about their past experience.
Reviews and samples are essential, but there’s nothing more critical to a successful construction project than experience. When speaking with potential contractors, be sure to ask them about their history. How long have they been in business? How long have their employees been working with them? How many projects do they do each month?
All of these questions can help give you an idea of whether the company you may be working with is a good fit for you. Unsatisfactory answers could translate to poor workmanship, and that’s not a risk anyone should take. At Elite Home Construction, we’ve been in business and serving our community for over 20 years, and we only hire team members that are true experts in their fields.
Make sure they’re willing to put it all on paper.
Before you think about starting your construction project, you need to make sure you and your contractor come to a solid agreement about all aspects of the build. This means drawing up a written contract that covers costs, types of materials to be used, start/finish dates, etc. The contract should also include detailed drawings, mockups, and floorplans, complete with measurements that specifically outline what the project will look like when it’s finished.
Communicating your needs upfront and making sure everything is understood is the best way to avoid potential issues, surprises, and disagreements down the road. It also shows that your contractor can develop a detailed plan and is willing to commit to sticking to that plan.
Remember that communication is key.
Throughout the selection process, pay close attention to the customer service that’s being provided. Are they kind and accommodating? Are they willing to answer all your questions? Do they respond to phone calls, texts, and emails promptly? If the answer to any of these questions is no, it could indicate how your project may go.
At Elite Home Construction, your happiness is our top priority. We will do whatever we can to make sure you feel confident and happy from beginning to end. Our team is fully licensed and insured. We’re happy to answer your questions, provide you with examples of our work, and hammer out all the details before construction begins. Most importantly, we’ll stay in constant contact with you during your project and provide the highest level of communication possible. Start talking to the best team in the construction game today. Call us at 484-442-0710.
