Choose the Best Contractor with These 12 Essential Tips
Hiring the right general contractor for your residential or commercial construction project means making sure you’ve done your homework. Before hiring a general contractor, you should:
- Check their licensing and certifications
- Verify their insurance coverage
- Ask for references and check reviews
- Review their experience and expertise
- Ask for a detailed written estimate
- Explore their project management tools
- Ask about their local knowledge and licensing
- Ask to see a portfolio of their past work
- Assess their communication style and responsiveness
- Carefully review contract details
- Inquire about their safety record and protocols
- Confirm their availability and timeline
Construction projects are not something most people do everyday, and neither is hiring a general contractor. Moreover, general contracting can seem vague, ambiguous, and a little overwhelming to the inexperienced, which means you may not realize you’ve hired the wrong one until it’s too late and you’re in too deep. By taking the time and effort upfront to ask some questions and do some research, you stand a better chance of hiring the perfect general contractor for your construction project and you increase the likelihood of a smooth, seamless, and successful project.
Phoenix Construction is a full-service construction and general contracting company with more than 100 years of combined experience building in Oklahoma. We’ve established the strong supplier and subcontractor relationships necessary to get your job done right, on time, and on budget, while our on-site project managers and web-based project management tool can help you track deadlines, maintain communications, and avoid cost overruns. From residential remodels to large-scale commercial builds, our general contractors can plan, execute, supervise, and complete any project of any size with professionalism, skill, and exceptional customer service.
Why You Might Need a General Contractor
A general contractor is important for making a construction project successful by overseeing every aspect of the job. Without one, the project owner would be responsible for hiring the various subcontractors and overseeing the project—and figuring out what to do when things go wrong.
From pre-planning to the final walk-through, a general contractor serves as the liaison between you and all the people involved in completing your project. A general contractor has the knowledge and experience to coordinate and manage subcontractors, secure the necessary permits, and verify compliance with local building codes. With their expertise, they handle unexpected challenges efficiently, keeping the project on schedule and within budget. By hiring a skilled contractor, you can ensure high-quality workmanship and a smooth, stress-free construction project.
If you are trying to decide whether or not you need a general contractor, consider:
- How long the project will take
- If your project will be affected by local building codes
- If you will need the services of several tradespeople and subcontractors
- If you will know when something is done right–and when it isn’t
12 Things to Consider Before Choosing a General Contractor
1. Licensing and certifications
First, verify that the contractor you’re considering holds the appropriate state and local licenses required for your project. In Oklahoma, no specific state license is required for general contractors working on commercial and residential buildings and other general construction projects. However, there are requirements for trade licenses and registrations for specific trade work, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Additionally, local requirements vary, and general contractors may be required to be licensed by a local city or municipality before beginning work.
Proper licensing and certification not only guarantee legal compliance but also are an indication of a contractor’s professionalism and reliability. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of these credentials so you’ll know you’re hiring a qualified and reputable professional.
2. Insurance coverage
Make sure the contractor carries adequate insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation. General liability protects against property damage or accidents on the job site, and workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured workers and is required in most states, including Oklahoma. Always request proof of insurance and verify its validity with the insurance provider.
3. Experience and expertise
Look for a general contractor with extensive experience in the type of project you are undertaking. Some contractors may focus more on residential work, while others work exclusively on commercial projects. It is especially important in Oklahoma when undertaking restoration work following severe weather events to have a contractor familiar with local regulations and who can rebuild your structure to better withstand the elements.
4. Reputation and references
Check online reviews, ask for references, and contact past clients to gauge the contractor’s reliability and quality of completed work. A reputable contractor will have positive feedback and readily provide a list of satisfied clients. Speaking with past clients can give you insights into the contractor’s work ethic, adherence to timelines, and overall professionalism.
5. Detailed written estimates
Contact several contractors to get detailed written estimates and compare the pricing, materials, and timelines. An estimate should include a breakdown of labor costs, material expenses, and any other fees. This transparency allows you to understand exactly what you’re paying for—and what’s not included—and helps prevent unexpected costs. Comparing estimates also helps you get the best value for your investment.
6. Project management skills
Evaluate the contractor’s project management capabilities, including their ability to handle scheduling, subcontractors, and any unforeseen issues. A skilled project manager will keep the project on track and within budget by coordinating all aspects of the job. Homeowners can judge a contractor’s skills by asking about their process and checking references for feedback on their organizational abilities and response to problems or unexpected events.
7. Local knowledge
A contractor familiar with local building codes, regulations, and conditions in Oklahoma can help navigate any legal or environmental challenges. By being knowledgeable of local requirements, they’ll keep your project in compliance and avoid costly delays or fines. Additionally, a local contractor is likely to have long-standing relationships with local suppliers and subcontractors, leading to easier access to materials and skilled workers.
8. Portfolio of past work
Review the contractor’s portfolio to assess the quality and style of their completed projects. A strong portfolio demonstrates their capabilities and experience in handling similar projects. It also will help you decide if their work aligns with your vision. Requesting to visit a few of their past project sites can also provide a sense of their work and attention to detail.
9. Communication and responsiveness
When reaching out to a general contractor, make note of their communication style and how quickly they respond to your inquiries. To keep a project on track, clear and consistent communication is important for addressing any issues that may come up. Ask the contractor how they keep their clients updated throughout a project and confirm that they are open to discussing any concerns you might have. A contractor who communicates clearly and promptly demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction.
10. Contract details
Carefully review the contract details before signing, including the scope of work, payment schedules, and warranty information. A well-drafted contract should clearly outline all aspects of the project and leave no room for misunderstandings. Also, make sure the contract includes clauses for handling changes or disputes. This provides legal protection and peace of mind throughout the process.
11. Safety record
Inquire about the contractor’s safety protocols and track record for maintaining a safe work environment. A strong safety record reflects a contractor’s efforts to prevent accidents and injuries on-site. Ask for details about their training programs and how they handle any incidents to verify your project will be conducted with the highest safety standards.
12. Availability and timeline
Confirm the contractor’s availability to start and complete the project within your desired timeframe. Discuss their current workload to make sure they can dedicate sufficient time and resources to your project. A realistic and well-planned timeline helps prevent delays and keeps the project progressing smoothly from start to finish.
Partner with Phoenix Construction for Your Next Project
Selecting the right general contractor takes time, but it is time well spent. By doing your research and carefully considering all of these important factors, you’ll be able to choose the best contractor for your project with confidence.
The general contractors at Phoenix Construction work hard to protect your time and your money, and we make your priorities our priorities. From the pre-planning to the final walk-through, our professional experts are there every step of the way to make sure the final results exceed your expectations.
The team of professionals at Phoenix Construction is dedicated to delivering exceptional results, with on-site project managers and a web-based project management tool you can access 24/7 to track deadlines, maintain communications, and avoid cost overruns. We’ve been a BBB-accredited business for over a decade, and we work hard to protect our reputation, whether it’s with our to-the-penny estimates, our 2-year warranty, or our 100% quality guarantee.
For expert contracting services in Edmond and the surrounding area, contact Phoenix Construction Services. From home improvement to disaster recovery, Phoenix has the experience and expertise to guide you through a successful construction project. Let us help bring your vision to life with professional general contracting services. Contact us today!
