The construction sector has different types of professionals, who have different responsibilities in any construction project. If you have a project, you will definitely need a general contractor to oversee the entire project.
However, choosing a general contractor isn’t an easy task. Please note that the general contractor that you choose will determine the success or failure of your project. What makes choosing a general contractor a challenge for most people is because the industry is flooded by thousands of general contractors. This, in turn, makes it hard for most people to prioritize what’s important for them before choosing the right general contractor.
So, if you have a project that requires a general contractor, you might be wondering what qualities you should look for in a professional general contractor. In this post, we shall discuss the top qualities that make a general contractor. Please read on for more information.
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Experience
This is the first thing that differentiates professional general contractors from the rest of the pack. Any professional general contractor should have tons of experience in different aspects of construction—from doing basic repairs to designing and constructing buildings.
Although most general contractors enlist the services of subcontractors in any given project, they should understand how to do the work themselves. A general contractor is solely responsible for the project they are supervising. Thus, they must ensure proper work scheduling and ensure that all subcontractors complete their allocated tasks within the set timeframe while ensuring they deliver quality work.
Communication
According to the experts from the general contracting company, AFS General Contracting communication is essential during a construction project. This calls for a general contractor with good communication skills. Since the contractor will be responsible for the most essential aspects of the construction project, they should be able to pass their ideas clearly to their clients whenever requested. Besides, a professional general contractor should answer their clients clearly.
After talking to your contractor, you should walk away satisfied, convinced, and feel reassured that you understood what the contractor said. Essentially, any interaction between you and the general contractor should be pleasant and professional.
Please understand that communication is very important since your project can last for years. So, it’s very easy for your relationship with the general contractor to become sour without such skills, and this is the perfect recipe for a failed project.
Licensed, bonded, and insured
These three legal documents make a very big difference whenever legal questions or issues arise during your project. That’s why any professional contractor should be licensed, bonded, and insured according to the requirements of the local authorities. Having these papers not only proves the professionalism of the general contractor, it also indicates that their business is reliable and legal.
Failure to have these papers increase the risk of you or your contractor facing different legal and financial setbacks, which can derail your project. If a general contractor is licensed, it means that their business meets all the set legal requirements.
Insurance like the Contractors Insurance Ontario, on the other hand, protects you, as the client, from any liabilities, in case the general contractor or one of their staff is hurt while working on your property. A surety bond also protects you in case the general contractor doesn’t finish the job as agreed in your contract. When searching for a general contractor, it’s important to note that all these documents are what make a general contractor professional and reliable.
Flexibility
When we talk about flexibility in general contracting, it’s all about the contractor’s ability to change their schedules or go that extra step to get things done on time. Construction projects are generally complex—they involve things like roofing to painting, installing plumbing and electrical fixtures, building frames, as well as installing windows and doors.
With that said, a professional general contractor should be willing and able to complete your project with the set time frame. At times, that means working extra hours, or during weekends and holidays—now, this is what flexibility is all about.
Integrity
Any professional general contractor cannot overcharge their client. Besides, they will always deliver what they promise their clients. Moreover, they will supervise your project and take responsibility for anything that happens during the project.
That means, in case a mistake happens in the course of the project, your general contractor will ensure that it’s rectified very quickly. Besides, a professional general contractor should ensure that the worksite remains organized and that any waste generated is disposed of safely.
Reputation
If your contract meets or exceeds your reputation, you are more likely to recommend them to anyone who asks. So, the reputation of a general contractor is directly related to the quality of work that they deliver. One way to know whether a general contractor has a good reputation is by talking to their previous clients. Then you can check their reviews and ratings with the Better Business Bureau, as well as with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Bottom Line
The general contractor you hire for your project will determine whether your project will succeed or fail. With that said, always make sure that you give your prospective general contractor the opportunity to prove why you should hire them, other than their competitors. Also, you must be cautious of general contractors who cannot give you concrete details in their responses. How the general contractor answers this question will help make your hiring decision.
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