Choosing your Contractor

We are often tempted to choose a contractor based on a low bid. We will save money, we think. Resist the temptation. Change orders can substantially escalate an original bid. If your job is not completed on time, interest costs rise, and earnings from occupying the new facility fall.

Also, a poorly built building or driveway will HAUNT you for a long time. Who needs a roof leak or ponds in the driveway to constantly remind them of a bad decision?

Observation: All contractors are not equal. Some are much better than others. The best ones usually make a higher profit margin and they should. They deliver a better completed project.

Rule: Choose your contractor carefully. You will live with the results of your decision for a long time!

Here is a checklist to follow in choosing your contractor:
* Look at both recent and past jobs.
* Talk to past customers.
* Check credit history and financial stability.
* Check payment reputation.
* Check litigation history.
* Meet with the owners and the key employees who will be managing your job.
* Look at job control techniques.
* Check current workload. Can they really handle your job?
* Ask specific questions regarding your job and weigh the answers.
* Can you communicate openly with this contractor.
* Ask the contractor to show evidence that he has a Total Quality Management
program that works.

Rule:
Develop confidence, trust and a good relationship before you select your contractor.