Tips on Choosing A Contractor in Denver
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You will find lot’s of “how to choose a contractor” tips on-line. Consumer sites like the Better Business Bureau, Angies list, and many others have good information. But here are a few we never see mentioned, that may allow you to really fine tune your selections.
- Getting references is not enough. You should ask for references from the contractors current projects, or just finished. References from a year ago are not as valuable. A contractors performance can change dramatically in a few months. If you are really on the hunt, subscribe to the construction monitor for a month, and see if the contractor is giving you all the jobs they actually are working.
- Ask for a list of the subcontractors they use, and how long they have been working with them. A good contractor has several sub contractor relationships in several trades. They should be able to produce references they have been working with for a long time. Call them! Ask if the contractor is goods to work with, and has always paid on time.
- Ask the contractor, what big issue have you had recently with a project that you had to solve, and how did you solve it? Every contractor runs into problems, if they can not tell you of one, or how it was handled, you may be speaking to the wrong contractor!
- Ask to meet the project manager, or the person who will be responsible to run your project. You may love the sales person or owner, and not click with the person you will be living with for months!
- Get a written communication policy! Most issues during a project happen because the home owner feels that they are not being communicated with correctly. How do you like to be communicated with? Phone, Email? How long will it take for a response? Is there a communication system in place?
- Make sure the contractor you select is experienced in the project type you are doing. Sounds simple, but we have seen many home owners select firms for a kitchen remodel that have most of their experience in Decks.
- You may want to run an on-line personality test on your project manager and yourself. The communication between you and the contractor is that important. Understanding the difference in personality types can help a lot with the construction experience.
- Make sure each proposal is apples to apples. Some contractors will either miss certain expense areas, or just skip them and ask for a change order later. Best way to do this? Have the other contractor look at any low ball estimates.
- Relax. 99% of a successful stress free experience with your contractor is determined in the selection process. Do all of the above and all the standard license, BBB, and calls to references, and you will be in great shape.
If you feel like you don’t, or won’t do all of the above, you may want to use a referral service like www.denverbasement.com (our company) or service magic, or check Angies list. Any of the three will help you select a better contractor to an extent.
We also have www.contractordenver.com to select contractors other than Basement Finishing.
We hope you find these tips helpful and unique, and welcome your feedback on using them. info@myonecall.com
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- Leads for Contractors and Value of Leads (salesjumpstart.net)
