If you are building a home or undertaking a remodeling project, you must find an experienced general contractor. When searching for the right contractor, you should call several contractors to provide a contractor consultation. The prospective contractor will visit your home and review your plans.
At the time of the consultation, you can ask a contractor about their team’s experience. Pictures of past projects will show you their skills. Ask to see their licenses. If they can furnish reviews from past customers, you can contact their past customers for comments or ask them questions.
Some contractors specialize in working as a remodeling contractor in homes. Some people wonder about the difference between remodeling and renovation. To a contractor renovation is restoring an old structure to its original state. Remodeling is changing the structure into something new.
One of the most common reasons for remodeling is to replace a structure with eco-friendly materials or fixtures. One famous example is replacing your current roof with solar panels. Although there is an initial expense with solar panel installation, the homeowner typically saves money on future energy bills. Some states will also give tax credits for solar panel installations.
Things Your General Contractor Wants You to Know
If you are about to hire a general contractor, or at least thinking about it, there are a few things you should know. Whether you are remodeling or repairing, it is important to hire a contractor so you can have the job completed on time and ensure it lasts for many years. Here are a few tips that will help when you are contemplating about hiring a general contractor for your construction projects.
No to DIY
When you have a large or complicated project in your home, it is a good idea to hire an expert. For example, when you are in need of a plumber or need a replacement of water and sewer lines, those are jobs best left to the professionals. After attempting it yourself, you may just end up hiring a contractor after becoming frustrated anyways.
Be Careful with Lead
Since 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented strict rules when it comes to lead paint and handling materials with lead. Only those who are properly trained and have the right equipment should perform demolition work in areas where lead is present. Lead can also be present in sewer lines. So if you are thinking of taking on the replacement of water and sewer lines, let the general contractor handle the lead situation to ensure everyone’s safety.
What’s Your Code?
Do you know the building codes in your area? If not, do you know where to find them? Code violations can be tricky and costly, especially if you try to navigate them by yourself. A contractor who is licensed in the area will know the building codes, so there is no extra cost in redoing a project because it is not up to the city’s standards.
Allow Plenty of Time
In today’s society, we want everything done now. General contractors work fast, but they also want to give you high quality work. Make sure your project has a large enough window and add a little extra time for contingencies. Do not plan a large party the day your project is supposed to be done. While contractors do their best, some things are just out of their control.
