It doesn’t matter if it is a commercial or residential refurbishment. What’s important is that you hire building contractors for your project who know their stuff.
The thing is, you don’t just want contractors. You need builders with a good reputation. When you search in your area, you can probably find numerous contractors to choose from. But you don’t want to take risks and make a bad mistake. While any building contractor can finish a project, picking the wrong one can lead to subpar work, delays, and even legal problems. On the contrary, the right contractor makes the process smooth – from start to finish and in a timely manner. It just does not make sense to hire a builder who will not deliver what you want with less stress and hassle.
Consider these guidelines when you’re looking for a contractor for your renovations to ensure a smooth, good working relationship:
1. Ask and Get Recommendations
Ask around. Begin with your loved ones, friends, colleagues, and other people you know who’ve used contractors before. You can even search your local contractors online and read testimonials from their past customers. Visit nearby lumberyards that always meet contractors. They would know who purchases quality materials, as well as those who pay their bills on time. You can also talk to building inspectors who know which contractor complies with code and safety requirements.
If you are on the hunt for a professional office fit out company for your upcoming project, you can try Imperial Building Solutions. They are one of the leading building contractors London area that offer a wide array of services, including landlords, office refurbishments, dilapidations, bathroom and kitchen installations, house extensions, and many more. They have been in the business for more than a decade, that’s why they know the know-how of this industry.
2. Avoid Being in a Rush
It’s not uncommon that you’re excited about your project, but hurrying may cost you additional headaches and expenses. Plan everything well and search for the ideal contractor beforehand to get all the information needed based on facts.
3. Make Phone Calls
Talk to many contractors. Ask everything you want to know about your plans. Observe how they communicate, like if they’re happy and enthusiastic in answering all your queries. They should discuss possible options instead of talking about how good they are. Do they sound available and accessible rather than pressuring you to select them? While talking, get a feel of how they work.
Here’s a checklist of a few questions you may ask:
- Do they have ongoing projects, and how many?
- Can they take a job like yours? Is it possible for them to give you a timeframe for the entire process?
- How many years have they been in the business?
- Are they willing to provide financial references from banks or suppliers?
- Can they give you a list of their previous clients?
- How long have they been working with subcontractors?
The answers to these questions can tell you how much attention they can give to your project and how smooth the process it would be. Depending on the answers, you may pick three or four and meet each of them face to face. However, avoid being deceived by a good personality. Check with the appropriate agencies if they have a history of disputes with previous clients or subcontractors.
4. Investigate the Facts
After getting all the information, begin calling former customers and find out how their projects went together with the contractor. If you can, take a look at the site to see if you liked how they worked based on the outcome. You may also visit the site if they have an ongoing project to see if it’s neat and safe. Are the employees polite? Also, notice if they’re cautious with the owner’s property.
5. Get Bids
Now that you have everything you need, compare the price. Ask them to break down the costs for materials, labor, and other additional expenses. But remember not to make the price be your guide. The lowball doesn’t necessarily mean the worst, and the most expensive is not always the ideal. Becoming comfortable with the contractor must play a more significant role in your decision and how well you and the contractor communicate.
