Your project is time and budget worthy. So, you hire a contractor to manage the work for you. Not to mention all of the sub-contractors putting in hard work to make the design plan come to life. But when all else fails, your contractor may have made these five common mistakes along the way. Learn what they are and how to avoid them.
1. Giving High Quotes
Before hiring your contractor, make sure you have done your research about the type of project you want done/material estimates and gotten multiple quotes from different firms. Choose the one that has the best-known reputation, and has been up and running with years of experience. Some contractors may want to take advantage of the price they set without actually being licensed. Also take into account labor costs and discuss all details beforehand.
2. Not letting the client know about contingencies
Estimates made towards what the budget will be are not always be set in stone. That is because unexpected things can come up, such as a pipe bursting or weather delays. Remember to talk in-depth with your contractor about all contracts/insurance plans on their end, and ask any questions/concerns without hesitation. Your contractor may speak to you about an allowance budget for any sudden changes made towards your fixed rate. Be open-minded about possible setbacks, but be aware of your deadlines as well.
3. Not collecting the right payments
You and your contractor will talk about payments made towards your project. The obvious word of advice is to never pay in full. You will want to make payments halfway through the project, and pay the rest in full once the project is complete. This type of agreement will benefit the two of you and can go both ways. For example, say you checked on your project mid-way and were not satisfied. Communicate this to your contractor until the issue is fixed; otherwise, your contractor has an idea you will not want to pay the full amount if it is not done accordingly to you and what your contract states.
4. Disregarding OSHA
A vital safety procedure the contractor should take on is to follow OSHA. The last thing you want is a lawsuit, or for your project to get shut down by the state. Make sure all safety procedures and proper training are set out towards sub-contractors. Everyone’s safety is on the line, so be sure the right people are hired for the right job.
5. No written documents provided
Even if the contractor you decide to take on your project has years of experience, always make sure you both sign written contracts/documents. This will ensure that you both know details about the job without the contractor stating everything through exchanged conversations.
If you need help navigating your project, our experts are here to help guide you through our design services that are guaranteed to deliver superior results.
Since our inception in 1984, Roy Lewis Construction has been focused on commercial and residential construction projects along the Gulf Coast. Roy Lewis Construction has an excellent reputation for delivering unparalleled value and quality on projects. Call us today for an estimate by calling 251-380-0000 or email us at paul@roylewisconstruction.com