Homeownership has long been seen as a core component of the fabled American dream. Building a new house, rather than buying, allows you to craft a home that is perfectly suited to your family’s needs. Building a house is a large-scale project, and ensuring that you hire a qualified and reputable contractor is an important step.
Not all building contractors are created equal and choosing a building contractor should not be rushed. If you are planning on hiring a contractor to build a house, then this blog post is for you. Read on as we highlight some of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a contractor.
Not Verifying That They Are Fully Licensed and Insured
It can be easy to simply assume that a contractor has the necessary license and insurance, but it’s important to always double-check before hiring one. If you hire a contractor without insurance, you may find yourself liable in the event that something goes wrong during the construction. That’s one headache you will be keen to avoid.
Hiring Without Checking References
Sure, plenty of contractors can talk the talk, but do they walk the walk? By speaking to past clients of a contractor, you’ll be able to get an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Ask these past clients about their communication skills, punctuality, and all-round reliability, as well as anything else that would you like to know. The most important question to ask a past client is whether or not they would hire the contractor again in the future. If the answer is no, that is a major red flag.
Not Hiring a Local Contractor
Local contractors such as Coregon Building Company help to drive the local economy, and by hiring one, you can be sure that your money will stay in your community. A local contractor will be familiar with municipal regulations, local construction rules, and typical weather conditions.
A local contractor also knows that doing a great job boosts their reputation in their local area, something a national firm isn’t going to be as concerned about.
Not Signing a Written Contract
This should be signed by both you and the contractor and include the following:
- Project description
- Outline of services to be performed
- Details on costs and payments
- Information on contractor license and insurance
- Expected duration of works
- Details on any sub-contactors
If a contractor is unwilling to sign a written contract before starting work, then you should not consider hiring them.
Mistakes Made When Hiring a Contractor to Build a House
Building your dream home can feel like a daunting process, but hiring the right contractor will ensure that everything runs smoothly. When it is time to hire a building contractor, remember to avoid the above mistakes.
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