Perez Design Build Remodel Blog

Probably one of the most asked questions, and possible daunting feelings, one can have when embarking on home construction. Hopefully this short read will clear some of those grey cloud feelings and give you some clarity and confidence on your next contractor hire.

So you have your architectural plans ready and it’s time to hire the right professional contractor. Usually, getting the most suitable contractor who will deliver quality work within your budget and on time will heavily depend on the research and screening that you do. Many homeowners bypass the legwork, sometimes simply due to their eagerness and enthusiasm to get started, or taking the first result of a Google search, and end up getting some poor results. Here are a few tips to guide you in hiring with confidence.

First off…take your time and try to avoid rushing the process. Choosing the right contractor isn’t like ordering at the drive thru where you rightly expect quick service but know you’re getting subpar food. This is your home, a place where you will wake up every day, where you will feed your family and make countless memories in. Thus, take some time to learn about the details of the project and what you want to achieve with the home design/build. This way making decisions will be easier and you’ll be much better equipped with knowledgeable questions when interviewing a potential contractor.

Next up is getting referrals and recommendations from your family and friends. Combine this with your own research as well though.  Insight from others is always great intel but just because your friend liked their contractor, does not mean that they would be a good fit for you and your home project, whether it be personality, price or skill level and results. Nevertheless, it’s a good place to start.

A common mistake that many people make when hiring contractors is assuming that all of these professionals are qualified to work on all types of buildings. Based on your architectural plans, you should only interview contractors who specialize in your type of project. For example, if you are just looking for a room renovation, it may not be the best choice to go with someone who only specializes in new home construction.

After you have done all the necessary research, you are now ready to have an interview with the contractor. This is a good opportunity to ask all the necessary questions related to your residential design and find out if the contractor is really passionate about their work. Also, ask for the necessary license documents and proof of insurance. It’s always a good idea to check them out with the Better Business Bureau as well. Ultimately, you must interview a contractor until you are totally comfortable working with him or her. Establish a good rapport with your contractor to make it easier to do inspections as the project continues.

Once you are comfortable with your choice of contractor, you are ready to finalize the deal. Get a formal agreement drawn up that will protect you in case anything goes wrong. The contract must include details of the start date, completion date and payment structure, as well as all of the details of your architectural plans and the expected outcomes. 

Once the contact is agreed upon, you’re ready to sign and begin the project you’ve been dreaming about!