Choosing the Right Contractor for the Job

 Before starting on your next home or office remodel, there are many things to take into consideration before CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR for the job. Just like anything else, research is key to making the right choice! Here are some simple steps we recommend before choosing your contractor.It could save you time and money!

• Get References: Don't be afraid to ask for references from the potential contractor. This will help you find out what their specialties are and what people really think of their work. Relying on website references may not be enough, you may  have to call around! This will also help you hire a reputable designer, architect or draftsman to produce a COMPLETE design package.
• Ask questions. Ask your contractor things like how long have they been in business and what work schedule will they follow? By asking questions, you get to better understand the contractor you are working with and get make sure they have the experience required before hiring them.
• Don't have your contractor draw your plans! The contractor will draw what THEY build - not necessarily what you want. By hiring a design firm to draw your plans, you can trust that they will be drawing the ideas you want and making sure are actually feasible.  The design firm can also make sure that the plans will be according to local codes.
• Don't let your contractor PM the project. Hire a Project Manager to watch the progress of the construction, keeps everyone on their toes, and give you updates on a regular basis. If you take on the project management details, you could spending ALL of you free time on the project. 
• Get a Quote: Make sure you get a quote from the your contractor before committing to anything. Review all of the fine details, extra costs involved, and how much they require as a down payment. 
• Hire a 3rd party quality control review for the plans BEFORE bidding anything.
• Use PLANCENTRAL or an outside reputable designer, architect or draftsman - NOT the one you already hired for the design.
• Using a third party design company also helps you get and KEEP a fresh perspective on the project! It will help find errors and omissions in the project. 

http://www.planmyhouse.com/PLANCENTRAL.html