Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a General Contractor
When building a home or starting a home renovation, choosing the right general contractor is crucial. It can be tempting to choose the first contractor you meet with or to rely on a single recommendation. However, taking the time for proper due diligence is key. Hiring the right general contractor can save you both time and money in the long run. With this in mind, here are five common mistakes homeowners make when they hire general contractors.
1. Failure to verify that your contractor is properly licensed and insured.
It's easy to assume that a prospective contractor meets necessary licensure and insurance requirements. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. It’s important to confirm that your contractor has a current license and both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. This is especially important if an accident or injury occurs on your property during the construction process.
2. Failure to verify references.
Take the time to request references and reach out to them. You will get a better understanding of the contractor's work and how they interact and communicate with clients. When speaking with the reference, inquire about:
Would you work with this contractor again?
Did the contractor stick to the original estimate?
How long did the job take? Did this differ from what they originally communicated?
Are you happy with the results?
Instead of asking for any references, many experts suggest asking for contact information for the contractor’s three most recent clients. Alternatively, ask for client references who completed projects similar to what you plan to do.
3. Relying on a generic estimate.
Even though a contractor may have a lot of experience, they cannot accurately estimate the cost of your project without visiting your home and seeing the actual conditions. Relying on a generic “ballpark” estimate can result in frustration as the project progresses and additional costs occur.
4. Automatically choosing the contractor with the lowest quote.
Everyone wants to save money, but be cautious if you receive a bid that is significantly lower than others. Before you sign any paperwork, inspect each item thoroughly to ensure there are no missing items and the full scope of your project is references. Are there any differences in workmanship or product quality? The old saying, "you get what you pay for," can hold true when hiring contractors.
5. Hiring them because they are nice.
It is essential to establish a good working relationship with your contractor. You will be working with this person for a long period and trusting them with a significant financial investment. While good general contractors should be easy to talk with, it’s also important that they listen well, remain calm under pressure, and are organized. Your final decision should not be made without considering a general contractor’s experience and qualifications.
Choose the Best Aiken SC General Contractor
When you are looking for a licensed and insured Aiken SC general contractor, look to Dogwood Construction. We are available for custom home builds, interior home renovation projects, home additions, outdoor space construction, or total renovations. In addition to homes, Dogwood can also guide you through the construction of an equestrian facility or new barn. Our unsurpassed dedication to our customers and unmatched attention to detail makes Dogwood Construction Aiken’s premier builder.