When beginning a new construction project, finding the right team for the job can be tough. A good building contractor can make or break the success of your project, so the right decision has to be made.
While cost is important, it shouldn’t be the only thing you think about. We all know you mostly get what you pay for and choosing the cheapest contractor is not always the best choice. Here are five things to consider when choosing a building contractor.
Reputation and Reviews
Checking out a contractor’s previous reviews should be the first thing you do. Do they have a glowing reputation and were they recommended to you? Reputation is a valuable asset for a contractor and the good ones protect it well. If they have a great reputation online and offline and they’re happy to share references, you’re onto a winner.
Skills for the Job
Do they have the right skills for the job? If your chosen builder has worked mainly on residential properties and you’re building a commercial property they may not be right. Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor about their unique capabilities and what projects they’ve worked on in the past.
Available Resources
If you have a large building project in the pipeline, make sure your contractor has access to adequate resources. These include:
- A network of quality sub-contractors
- Enough staff to handle the scope of a project
- The right skillset for your needs e.g. commercial sheds, affordable residential homes, office fit-outs, custom dwellings
Communication Levels
Before you go ahead with one contractor, see how they communicate via email and on the phone. Do they give details and call you back quickly? Are they easy to get hold of or do they disappear for long periods? Are they friendly and approachable? All this gives you an insight to how they’ll be during a project and can help you decide if they’re a good fit.
Time Efficiency
Does the building contractor have a good reputation for time efficiency? Make sure you negotiate a start time and end date and verbalise how you won’t compromise on this. Research guarantees given by the builder to see the general procedure if there is a delay. A good contractor will value your time and make reassurances he won’t be wasting it.
