A construction contractor is a person who determines the project’s success. As the construction industry is rapidly growing, the demand for contractors is also increasing. So, hiring the right construction contractor might be challenging in such a competitive industry.
Many companies also use management software like Bridgit for efficient construction. You can learn more about these companies through this link. To use such software, a construction company needs a tech-savvy contractor.
Remember that your construction project might be in danger if you hire the wrong contractor. So, this article will give you 10 questions to ask while hiring a construction contractor.
1. What is your experience in the construction industry?
Ask the contractor about their experience before anything else. The more experienced the contractor, the more responsible work they will do. However, that’s not always the case.
Some experienced contractors only work for money. As soon as you pay them, they will leave the construction site unfinished and begin other projects.
2. Do you have a license?
Contractors must be licensed while working on a construction project. Although licensure requirements vary from state to state, your contractor must have the relevant license to complete your project.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor for the job will dearly cost you. First, the authority might cease the project. Then, after that, you must pay heavy fines as a penalty.
Some contractors might use a fake or expired license just to get the job. That’s another wrong practice that might send both of you into trouble.
Having a licensed contractor has many advantages. For example, the contractor is professionally eligible to work on the project. That contractor will also follow the SOPs and take safety measures for the workers.
3. Do you hire subcontractors?
Almost all contractors bring their own team of subcontractors. These are the people who perform different construction activities. So, ask the contractors if they bring subcontractors. Otherwise, you will have to arrange them.
You can also ask about the subcontractors’ skills hired by the contractor. It’s better to ask your contractor to bring the subcontractors they have worked with.
4. Do you keep workers’ compensation insurance?
Another important question is about the workers’ compensation insurance which includes all the workforce, including:
- Contractor
- Subcontractors
- Laborers
You must confirm who is liable if any injury occurs to any work during construction. It’s better if your contractor keeps the workers’ compensation insurance, as you will not be held accountable in case of any accident.
5. Can you provide your portfolios with clients’ details?
A construction portfolio helps you understand the contractor’s competency and professionalism better. You can openly ask them to provide their portfolio, including the clients’ details.
Since you want to build a commercial or residential project, you must know the contractor’s previous projects. Many contractors make a construction portfolio on their websites. For instance, independent contractors have personal business websites, while others display their portfolios on their company’s websites.
After checking the portfolio, you can contact the clients and ask more questions regarding the following contractor-related aspects:
- Communication – Contractor’s way and frequency of communication to discuss the project.
- Professionalism – The ability to accurately perform each task according to the standard.
- Reliability – Contractor’s performance when no project owner is around.
Choose a construction contractor after you get the required answers from the previous clients.
6. Do you deal with building permits?
One of the legal construction formalities is having a building permit. You must have the necessary building permit to construct a new structure. So, ask the contractor whether they acquire the building permits for the construction.
Contractors have networks in the regulatory bodies and can quickly get the required permits. You can also prepare and get the documents, which will be time-consuming.
Remember that not having the necessary building permits with you on the jobsite might get you penalized. After that, you must pay heavy fines to continue the work.
7. What contract delivery method do you follow?
There are three common delivery methods contractors follow:
- Design/bid/build – Clients work with an architect to design the project and prepare a bidding proposal.
- Construction management – This method involves a construction manager who advises the client regarding budgeting.
- Design/build – Clients only deal with project design and construction while other stakeholders go through the bidding process.
You must know the contractor’s delivery method and proceed with the construction activities.
8. Do you cover the resources’ maintenance and repair costs?
Although contractors procure and manage the resources, some don’t include the overhead costs in the agreement. This results in a conflict between the client and the contractor.
So, you must ask the contractor what happens if equipment runs into a problem or gets damaged. The impact of these costs is huge on the construction budget. That’s why you must get a clear answer to this question.
9. Do you have the authority to resolve disagreements?
Construction projects run for several months, and disputes can occur between the client and contractor during that timeline. To resolve such issues, both parties have maximum authority.
Clients are the project owners and can independently decide. However, contractors working in a company or partnership don’t have the authority. They can’t get involved whenever there’s a disagreement, and the project gets delayed while you wait to resolve the issue with the right person.
So, be open and ask the contractor if they can make decisions in case of disagreements.
10.Do you regularly clean the jobsite?
Regularly cleaning a jobsite, especially a residential one, is a part of professionalism. Many contractors leave the jobsite clean at the day’s end. However, it’s additional work; not every contractor does that for you.
For example, you must have seen the coverage of the construction site’s interior with a tarp so that the client can easily check the place. So, ask about the jobsite cleanliness from the contractor. Sometimes people invite potential tenants to their under-construction place. That’s why the jobsite should be cleaned according to contractual requirements.
Conclusion
Ask the ten questions mentioned above while hiring a construction contractor. You can add more questions according to your requirements. Once you are satisfied with the contractor’s answers, only then hire them for your project.
