The process of hiring a quality contractor can be complicated and tiring. Many contractors will claim they are the perfect candidates for a job or that their workmanship is superior to others offering the same service. When it comes to investing in your facility, you want to hire the most qualified contractor for the project.
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Nowadays, it’s easy for individuals and companies without proper certification to pose as the most qualified contractors for a renovation. At worst, these contractors are unqualified and fraudulent and put you at risk of a lawsuit if anything goes wrong. At best, they waste your time and money or leave you with a substandard product.
First Impressions Are Everything
The first moments of interaction are extremely helpful in gauging contractors’ authenticity, so never be afraid to ask questions or request confirmation of their previous work. Unqualified contractors will pressure you into making a hiring decision quickly rather than allowing you to meet with other potential contractors. A truly qualified contractor will be fine with your taking the time to make your decision. Fraudulent or desperate contractors may only accept cash, allowing them to skip paying taxes. In addition, cash-only arrangements make it easier for contractors to abandon the project.
How Much Do They Charge?
The first mistake a facility manager can make is hiring a contractor based solely on price. Price is important, and nobody wants to be overcharged. It is important to meet with a contractor about potential pricing, as well as work with him or her to find a budget that will satisfy your needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for detailed quotes and do a little research on your own about the standard prices of your projects. Through establishing a budget, you can see what options are available and whether a renovation is currently the best idea. You want to be able to afford a renovation completely and not have to compromise by leaving out certain details because of price. Qualified contractors know what they are doing and will not compromise the price or quality of their work. If you cannot afford the contractor of your choice, you might want to wait instead of rush. Once you make price the priority, you begin to compromise on important factors that could ultimately determine the success or failure of your project.
What Is Their Experience?
Before signing contractors, ask about their previous experience. Experienced craftsmen will have encountered these questions before and won’t be afraid to answer them accurately and confidently. Their knowledge and ability to complete a project with top quality are crucial. They must know what problems could occur and how to accommodate any unexpected mishaps. Ask for examples of their previous work, as well as references you could speak with. They may be able to complete a project, but is it to standard, safe, and going to last in the long run? Additionally, states have different licensing protocols for contractors, so make sure your chosen firm has all of its paper work up to date.
What Is Their Reputation?
When choosing your contractor, you should be confident in your decision. You want to have the peace of mind that your project will be completed properly and be able to trust that the contractor you choose will stand by the work and be available if you have any future needs. Unqualified contractors tend to come and go and leave work unfinished or are unable to be contacted when updating is necessary. Ask about their history, how long they have been in business, and their approach to future updates and necessary repairs. Additionally, look up reviews from previous clients or companies they have completed projects for. Contractors’ history will often speak to the quality and process of their work.
What Is Their Timeline?
When it comes to renovations, busy facility managers want a project started and completed as soon as possible. Qualified contractors have experience managing projects and working with many moving pieces, so they will be able to provide an accurate and well-thought-out timeline. Rather than rushing their work, contractors that know what they are doing will take their time and make sure that all details are in order before starting a project. A job well done often takes time and is not always a smooth process. For some contractors, the start date for a project may need to be delayed due to the timeline of another project. Remain patient, and wait for the contractor that you want for your project. A qualified contractor will give you a detailed timeline, answer any questions you have about possible delay, and inform you of progress throughout the completion of your project.
What Are the Dangers?
Hiring an unqualified contractor puts you, your tenants, or your organization at risk. For example, you may end up with an incomplete project or one that was completed improperly. Unqualified contractors may take your money and not return or finish quickly by cutting corners. These types of contractors are likely to skip the permitting process, which can put you and your facilities in legal jeopardy.
Additionally, unqualified contractors put your tenant’s health at risk. If you operate an older facility, it is important to be cautious of dangerous materials like lead or asbestos. These materials need to be handled and removed by professionals to prevent exposure and reduce the likelihood of improper disposal. If this work on your facility is not completed properly, there could be safety ramifications, which open the door to liability problems. The presence of these materials may delay your timeline and require hiring an additional abatement professional, but its ultimately worth it to know your facility is up to code and its occupants are safe.
Finding the right contractor will take time, but it is an important first step toward a successful facility renovation or upgrade. Keep an open dialogue with your contractor to make sure the process runs smoothly and is consistently supervised. Don’t make your final payment until the project is 100% complete, and keep in contact with your contractor for any future updates or questions you may have. If you believe the work is well done, you may offer to be used as a reference for the contractor’s future clients, deepening your relationship. Qualified contractors will thank you for hiring them and appreciate your business.