Tips for Finding a General Contractor

 

You may be the best when it comes to power tools, but there will always be times when only the professional services of a general contractor will do. Unfortunately, it's not that easy finding a good one.

 

Here are ideas that can help you spot a worthy hire: 

 

Asking for Referrals

 

The first step to finding a good general contractor san diego is asking for referrals. If you know someone who may have had some construction work done lately, you can call them and ask who their contractor was. Of course, you'd also like them to tell how they found that particular pro. Would they hire the same person in the future? If no one in your personal circle can give you any referrals, approach architects, designers or construction suppliers. 

 

Seeking Client References

 

With a few referrals in hand, you can begin screening the candidates. A very important part of the process is asking the contractors for client references and actually following up on them. You'd like to be able to see both projects they've done recently and those not-so-recently. If the contractor you're eyeing has confidence in what he does, giving references is going to be easy. Otherwise, it's best to assume that they're trying to conceal something that can make you decide against hiring them. If that is the case, just move on to the next contractor on your list.

 

Professional Qualifications

 

Besides checking out previous projects, you'd also like to take a look into a contractor's credentials and qualifications. Visit your city's building code inspector, builder's licensing board or local business bureau. Find out if there are or were complaints filed against the contractor in question. Also ask your prospective contractor whether or not they are licensed, insured and bonded. If they say yes, look for proof. A good contractor is always glad to talk about their credential. Making sure these things are in order saves you from a huge risk of liability in case there are problems, such as a neighbor's property being damaged or a worker hurting himself, or if the contractor doesn't pay the workers.

 

Professionalism 

 

Be sure to hire a contractor from sjrhandyworks.com who is a total professional. Credentials, qualifications and positive client testimonials are all important, but it is in the daily course of a construction job that you will actually see your contractor's worth.

 

Remember, the success of an entire project depends a lot on your contractor's skills and capabilities, so you'd like to hire one who will help you realize your own goals.

 

Finally, be wary of contractors who seem vague or unaccommodating towards you. If it's hard to talk to them now while they haven't won your business, how much more when work has begun? Most likely, you'll be stuck with your contractor for a while, so you  should hire someone you can trust and are comfortable with. For more info about general contractors, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_contractor