Did you know that more than 7.5 million people work in the contracting industry in the United States of America? If something goes wrong with your construction project, it’s always a relief to know that you have reliable contractors saved on your phone that is one call away. Working as a project manager brings enough stress without needing to worry about your contractors.
If you’re looking at growing your construction business then it’s a good idea to start looking for a reliable contractor that you trust to show up and do a great job. The good news is that you’ve found the right place to learn all about the things to look for when you’re hiring a contractor for your project.
Keep reading this article for some helpful management tips today!
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Get Your Plans Ready
A reliable contractor will want to know what they’re getting into before signing on to help you with your construction projects. You need to have some strong plans in place to make it easier to convince the contractor to help you out with the tasks that you want to be completed.
It will also help you understand the building materials that you’re working with, which will make it easier to find a reliable contractor to help with the project. The more details that you can provide the better off you’ll be with finding a contractor for your business.
Ask for Recommendations
Another great way to find reliable contractors is through your network. Don’t be afraid to ask other professionals in your industry about contractors that they’ve worked with in the past. Family and friends that have had recent work done in their homes could offer you some helpful suggestions and get you pointed in the right direction.
You can also reach out to the local Builders’ Association in your area to see if there are any contractors there that have the skills that you need. Even building inspectors can help you find a qualified contractor. They can help you know if that contractor’s work tends to pass the building inspection.
Interview Your Contractor Candidates
As a project manager, it is vital that you interview the contractors that you’re considering for the task at hand. You want to make sure that the candidates have plenty of experience working on projects similar to yours. The project type and the size of the project are both important considerations when you’re looking for a reliable contractor.
A good rule of thumb is to find three or four qualified candidates to interview. Be sure to give them the timeframe for the project as well as your expectations. It’s also a good idea to find out how many projects they tend to work on at the same time.
Don’t be afraid to ask the contractors about their financial references. You don’t want to work with a contractor that is running low on money or supplies when you have a massive project on your hands. Working with a contractor management service makes a lot of sense for many construction companies.
Check Their Licensing
You should avoid hiring a contractor that doesn’t have the appropriate licensing to handle the job. Each contractor that you consider should have a license from the state to perform construction tasks. It’s also important to confirm that the contractor has insurance coverage for their workers.
The vast majority of the states in the U.S. require contractors to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance as well as insurance to cover personal property damage and liability should something go wrong. You can use the Better Business Bureau as a great resource to confirm whether your contractor candidates have all of the necessary insurance plans and licenses to help you out with your project.
Check Out Their Job Sites
If you want to get a look at the contractor’s work for yourself and you have some free time, don’t be afraid to visit some of their job sites. The job site is your chance to check out the work ethic of the contractor’s crew. You’ll get a better understanding of the ways in which they treat other people’s property when working on a job.
A good contractor will try to minimize debris around the property as much as possible. You can see if they take extra long breaks and how long it takes them to get started with their job tasks in the morning.
Start Getting Bids
After you’ve narrowed down your options for reliable contractors, you’ll want to ask them to start submitting their bids to work on your construction project. Make sure that they’re taking time to categorize the cost of labor as well as building materials. The most common areas to focus on for contracting bids are the time involved in the project and the materials required to get things finished.
The lowest bid isn’t always a good thing. Contractors that submit the lowest bids could look for ways to cut corners in order to make more money.
Create a Written Contract
A written contract is a must-have when you’re looking to hire reliable contractors. Make sure that you incorporate every detail possible into the contract, including the payment schedule as well as the proof of insurance for the contractor. Don’t get discouraged if your number one choice for contractors is not available to work on your project.
The best contractors are running a business, and a busy contractor means that they’re in high demand. Be patient and don’t be afraid to delay the start of your project to ensure that you get the best contractors in the area.
Start Finding Reliable Contractors Today
Finding reliable contractors can seem like a fool’s errand at times as a project manager, but there are management tips that you can use to find the right contractors for your project. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from other professionals. It’s also a great idea to get multiple bids and to get everything written out in a contract for your contractors and your business.
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