contracts & communication
the right experience
When you’re considering starting a new project, whether it be a simple remodel, new home, or major construction for your business, there are many factors to consider when determining how to proceed. The hardest part of any renovation might be finding the right contractor - the true pro who shows up and delivers quality work on time and on budget - and that depends on doing some serious screening before the job starts, says Daniel Wade, professional contractor and Co-Founder of ALBS Design Build Construction.
Now there are loads of information available on the web about “Tips to Hiring the Right Contractor” with suggestions such as get competing bids, call references, etc. That is fine advice, however, for this article, we’re going to focus in on some important elements that are often missed.
Your project is more than hammers and nails, it’s about people, and often involves your most precious possession such as your home or business. Make sure you get along with your contractor. Spend time with them in person. Ask them questions. Follow your instincts. It’s not only the answers to these questions that will help you judge potential contractor, it’s the way they answer them. Were they easy to talk to and forthcoming with details or did they hem and haw and make you ask more than once? You don’t have to be best friends, however it is important that you respect and trust your contractor. Difficulty communicating now means difficulty communicating on the job later. But clear, timely and thoughtful responses - combined with terrific references, great completed work that you’ve seen, and a smart take on your project—may mean you’ve found the right pro for your job.
Yes, getting a fair price is important, however, not all contractor pricing is equal. A small-time independent worker off Craigslist is not in the same category as a professional construction firm. Low-ball pricing usually always comes with some serious limitations for quality of work, knowledge, back-end customer service, and the overall tools and technology that the contractor has for your project. Ask yourself this, “If your contractor is bidding the job so low as to not make a profit, then how can they stay in business and service you?” If they price the job so low in order to out-bid all other competitors, they are only making very little profit. How then, do they afford things like insurance, quality materials, professional team members, the proper equipment, job-site supervision, and any other support technology necessary to provide you with a quality professional service. If you're asking several contractors for a bid, make sure each one is using the same set of plans and specifications, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) advises on its website: "You can't effectively compare estimates from contractors who plan to use different brands of building materials." Be careful, you get what you pay for, and there is a balance between fair price and quality service.
personality is important
not just about price
PROJECT 101
How do I choose the right contractor for my project?
There are alot of specialities in construction and remodeling. It's important to research contractors to know if they have experience in a type of project. Today, so many projects are regulated and code-specific that you want someone who knows the details of what's required. Talk to your contractor about similar jobs they have done and ask them about their backgrounds in particular areas of construction. Hiring a contractor is like a job interview. Don’t be hesitant to ask questions about their background. Pros often take classes and research the kinds of projects they undertake, so they're experts in their fields. This enables them to address potential problems and perform the work correctly. A good remodeler knows how to anticipate the nuances of the work, and managing multiple different areas of a project is a special skill set that goes beyond knowing how to build something.
Obviously a thoroughly written and detailed contract is crucial to establishing the specifics of the job. Everyone knows this. A reputable contractor has no problem giving you all the facts relating to your project and pricing. However, another important factor to consider is the on-going communication for your project. How accessible is your contractor. What mechanisms are in place for new information, change requests, or scheduling? Is everything merely email or does the contractor utilize some sort of project management software that enables you to access? The leading edge contractors have very detailed customized technology that brings all facets of your project together and allows you real time access to your project anytime. These types of systems are powerful tools that allow you to participate in the details of your project and manage the process so that there are no surprises.
the albs advantage
We offer you this advice because we’ve used these principals in our own business. We care deeply about our clients and the work we do. We pride ourselves on being “problem solvers” and we even have the word “Solutions” in our business name. Everyone here at ALBS is here to service you and we back it up with all the experience, technology, and sincere effort we can muster. We provide innovative client interactive technology for you to access your project anytime, and we have all the critical backend systems including business insurance, support staff, the highest quality tools and equipment, as well as the critical industry connections for acquiring the best materials.
ALBS Design Build is our baby and our passion, and we love our family here at the company. We welcome the opportunity to show you what we can do for you, and help make your vision for your project a reality.