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How To Choose The Right Builders OR Contractors

  

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How To Choose The Right Builder OR Contractor

I was reading the Sunday Detroit Free Press  Real Estate section the other day and the top head line read  “Hooking A Winner”  5 do’s and don’ts to use when hiring a contractor for a home project. ( The link is http://www.freep.com/article/20110717/BUSINESS04/107170350/5-do-s-don-ts-use-when-hiring-contractor ). As I was reading it I thought to myself that the writer of the article had some good basic knowledge on what to do BUT did not have the complete picture.  So here is my attempt to complete the picture.

1. Research pays off, But remember who the expert is.  I agree with her for the most part about acquiring some basic knowledge of the project. The tactic I think she is missing is this. With the bids you receive from your prospective contractors, ask them for specific details of the materials and processes they are going to use to complete your project.  Once you have this information, do your research on the material and processes they believe in.  This should tell you how competent the contractor is.
2. Get completive bids , But don’t take the lowest bid. She is absolute correct here. Our purchasing agent is taught to throw out the lowest and highest bids. Try to find the real price for the job. When you have 2 or 3 bids that are within 1 to 2% of each other. That is usually the real price. In other words , use the Bell Curve process to determine the fair pricing.
3. Negotiate for the best price, But don’t undervalue your contractor. Again she is absolutely correct here. The only thing I would like to add is put yourself in the contractor’s shoes.  There is a point where the job is not worth doing any more and either you are going to find ways to cut labor or cut material to do the job. You do not want either.  You just want a quality job completed at a fair price. You do get what you pay for.
4. Insist on a contract and understand the terms. 100% correct. Remember this “Conflict occurs when expectations are not meet.”   This has to do with both sides. So  ask for
   1. details descriptions of materials to be used
   2. detail processes that will be used
   3. Create an understanding of what guide lines will be used to gauge whether  work performed is  to be demined suitable or not.
   4. How are will going to resolve disputes.
   5. Check reference carefully.   The best way to check up on a contractor is to talk with the local building officials. These people are public servants who job is to protect the people within their city. Their should have dealing with your contractors and they will have first knowledge of their quality of work.

I hope this brings you more information than the article that was written.  You can use these same techniques when purchasing a new home.

Remember, greatness in is the details. It is those small details that will make the difference.

 Good luck in remodeling or building your new home.  If I can help you in anyway or answer question you may have. Feel free to contact me. Thanks for visiting.