We want to be the right general contractor for you but it is important that you know we are going to finish the project and get it right. We are competent, honest, hardworking and financially responsible.
Finding and hiring the right general contractor can be daunting and confusing. You can easily search the web or look in the yellow pages and find many contractors listed in your area but the question remains - which one do you hire. Which one will perform quality work, charge a fair price and get the job done on time.
It is important that you as a developer or homeowner know your rights and stay involved with your project. A responsible and informed consumer can work more effectively with reputable general contractors, and can avoid being victimized by unscrupulous operators.
Shop around before hiring a general contractor.
Get at least three written bids on your project, and make sure you're comparing bids based on identical plans, specifications and scope of work. Do not automatically accept the lowest bid. In fact, you should beware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others. It probably indicates that the general contractor made a mistake or is not including all the work quoted by his or her competitors. You may be headed for a dispute with your general contractor if you accept an abnormally low bid. It is also possible that this general contractor will cut corners or do substandard work in order to make a profit on the job. We want you to be completely satisfied with the end result of your project!
Ask for personal recommendations.
Friends and family may have recently had similar projects completed. If they are satisfied with the results, chances are you will be too. Other good reference sources include local customers, material suppliers, and subcontractors to check whether the general contractor is financially responsible. If you are still unsure, you may also wish to check the contractor out with the Better Business Bureau.
Verify the contractor's workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage is active.
Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance, or ask for the name of the general contractor's insurance carrier and agency to verify that the contractor has the insurance.
If the general contractor does not carry general liability insurance, they should be able to explain how they would cover losses that would ordinarily be covered by insurance. If your contractor damages your property and doesn't carry commercial general liability insurance, you or your insurance policy could end up paying for damages.
If you are planning a home renovation project you should first do a little preparation yourself to reduce the risk of hiring the wrong contractor. Sketch out and write down what you want remodeled. Provide a copy of this information to each prospective home remodeling contractor as this will help to minimize misunderstandings of requirements.
Get a written contract. A general contractor must provide you with information regarding both types of insurance in your written contract. The contract should specify exactly what "is included" and "is not included" in the contract.
Please contact us at 403-818-3000 to discuss your project and find out if we are the "Right" general contractor for you!
