5 Qualities You Want in General Construction Contractor
Vanguard Hammer Construction understands how thrilling it can be to think about starting a new residential or commercial construction project. The problem most people run into is connecting with a general construction contractor who is the right fit for the job.
While it’s easy to think most general contractors offer the same types of services, it pays to remember that there are pros and cons to hiring even the most reputable professionals.
We’re always looking for ways to explain our services, clarify industry knowledge, and share tips that make your life easier.
That’s why our experts have taken the time to put together the following list of 5 qualities to look for when choosing a contractor for your next construction project.
1. Choose Local General Contractors
Shopping around for local general contractors with first-hand experience building a multitude of different building types is the best place to start.
Suppose there are specific new buildings or renovation projects you admire. In that case, it’s a good idea to inquire which company was responsible for the construction and, if you can, find out what the owners liked and didn’t like about their building experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that even if you’re convinced your goals will align the best with one company after seeing or hearing about their work, it’s still a good idea to continue exploring your options. Ideally, you should have a list of up to 4 general construction companies that seem like they would be a good fit.
This way, if you end up in consultation with your favorite, and they let you down by not being able to deliver what you’re expecting, you can quickly move on to your next best option and schedule a consultation with them without wasting too much time.
2. Find a Company with a Large Body of Work that Includes the General Contractor Services You Need
While there are certain advantages and disadvantages of choosing a large company for your general contractor services, it certainly never hurts to select one with a lot of experience providing the services you need.
Some of the most popular general contracting services include:
- Carpentry
- Concrete work
- Custom countertops
- Electrical work
- Repairs
- Plumbing
- Windows and doors
- Roofing and chimney services
- Custom cabinets
- Flooring
Some construction companies rely on subcontractors to complete different aspects of a project, while others offer a complete list of building and renovation services in-house. In some cases, you may prefer one over the other, depending on your goals.
Be sure to ask for examples of previous construction projects, and don’t settle for a construction business that isn’t up to par with your elevated expectations.
3. Work with Building Contractors Who Understand and Implement Your Design Ideas
Working with building contractors who work diligently to uncover the details of your design ideas is the best way to ensure you’re getting everything you expect from your investment.
To further streamline the process, we recommend choosing a builder that is easy to get a hold of when you have questions. You’ll also want one that will encourage an interactive design process to be sure you’re happy with the end results.
Typically, an initial non-committal consultation is the best way to take the temperature of a potential building construction partner. We suggest choosing a company that takes extra steps to make this happen for you.
4. Seek Forward-Thinking Construction Management
You can have the most astute building team in the world, but the whole project can become mired with red tape and other costly delays when things fall apart at the management level.
The good news is you can prevent this from happening by paying attention to details about a potential general contractor’s construction management process. If they fail to outline each of the steps they will take to ensure they meet their deliverables or don’t have a plan in place for a process that will affect your building initiative, that can spell trouble for you.
At the very least, you’ll want to make sure their construction management plans include the following checklist items:
- Permitting
- Building and safety codes
- Site selection and development
- Design management and material selection
- Construction material purchasing and delivery schedules
- Construction planning
- Resource and personnel planning
- Site and safety inspections
- And more
Remember, a reputable construction company begins each project with a solid plan. It’s the recipe for success, so it’s essential to choose contractor builders who go the extra mile to take care of these critical details.
5. Expect a Written and Well-Defined General-Contractor Estimate
When you get general contractor estimates in writing, you can move forward with a starting point that isn’t subject to change without notice. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all written estimates are as comprehensive as others.
When important details are missed, whether on purpose or in error, it can significantly affect the price of your build and the time it will take to complete. Working with a reputable building contracting company will save you from the hassle of dealing with a quote much higher than what you initially expected.
Additional Qualities a Top-Tier General-Contracting Company Will Always Have
The above suggestions apply whether you intend to work with a general contracting company specializing in residential or commercial construction.
You should also expect your general builder to provide the following:
- Licensed and insured construction professionals
- Well-maintained construction equipment
- Safety equipment and plans for all construction sites and phases
- Reasonable turnaround expectations
- A large selection of top-tier building materials choices
- Transparent estimates
- Interactive design processes
- And more
Many local builders measure up to our high industry standards, including our very own in-house team.
If you have any questions about an upcoming building idea or initiative at your home or business, we look forward to learning more about your plans.
Connect with our team of extraordinary construction innovators by dialing (954) 488-4787 today.
Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Licensed General Contractor Can Make or Break Your Project
Vanguard Hammer Construction empowers local property owners and businesses to make the most informed decisions by supplying you with the updated information you need—when you need it.
We know that choosing the best licensed general contractor has the power to accelerate your dreams into reality or cause significant headaches, depending on which company you choose and how they respond to challenges. That’s the bottom line.
Use these tips to gain confidence in finding the right general contractor for your next project and let us know how you made out in the comments below.