Are you looking to hire a residential or commercial contractor in Denver for your construction project? We’ve got a complete checklist to help take the guesswork out of finding the right company for your project. We’ll take a look at several steps, from defining your project to hiring the perfect Denver contractor.
So, let’s get started.
Defining Your Project
You’ll need to lay out your construction or remodeling project to ensure that you’re hiring the right type of contractor. Residential contractors build and remodel homes and living quarters, while commercial contractors specialize in offices, hospitals, and restaurants. Having a detailed plan will allow you to determine what type of contractor you need and will help them to bid the job accurately. Providing a list of materials, fixtures, finishes, and appliances needed can also help keep the project on budget and on-time.
Get References
The best way to find a good contractor is to ask for referrals from family and friends. Once you’ve gotten a list of contractors you’re interested in, ask those contractors for references. Also, checking their reviews online will give you a good idea of what type of business the company conducts.
Get Several Estimates
It’s best to get several estimates for your project. A good rule of thumb is at least three different estimates, in writing. You want to way the pros and cons of types of materials used to how long it takes to get the job done and everything in-between. You don’t want to cut corners or make unnecessary sacrifices. A lot of times, price reflects quality.
There are some red flags to look out for when getting your bids:
● Refusal to provide a written contract.
● Wants you to pay in cash or entire amount upfront.
● The contractor doesn’t have a business or company address.
● They aren’t able to obtain a job permit.
Above all else, always trust your instincts. If you feel something isn’t as it seems, it’s probably not.
Licensed, Insured, and Bonded
It’s important that you make sure the contractor is licensed. At the minimum, they should have a general contractor’s license. If they are planning on subcontracting any part of the job out, you need to make sure they are properly licensed.
Next, establish that your contractor is insured. There are many construction contractors that will attempt to cut costs by not obtaining a certificate of insurance.
Finally, ensure your contractor is bonded. Having a surety bond protects the building project owner. A contractor buys the bond, and if for some reason they fail to complete the project, the property owner is then compensated from the bond.
These may seem like no-brainers, but they’re important to the safety of your project.
Ask Questions
Asking the right questions will ensure your project runs smoothly and is completed on time. Rest assured that you can never ask too many questions and no question is too small.
Here are some questions to ask a contractor:
● How long have you been in business?
● Are you experienced in this type of work?
● Are you licensed, insured and bonded in this area? Do you have proof?
● Will you need a permit? Are you able to obtain the necessary permits if needed?
● Do you have a list of references?
Get it in Writing
The best way to protect yourself and your project is to get a written contract. Be sure it includes details of the work to be done, including costs, detailed schedule of project states with start/end dates, an established payment schedule, and any consequences for missing deadlines, going over budget or defaulting on the agreement.
If anything in the contract seem unclear, speak up. You don’t want something to take you by surprise because of a misunderstanding or miscommunication.