By: Craig Ciaglia

When I first started building custom homes, I felt that with a little teaching and some well orchestrated questions, I would be able to understand the business of being a general contractor. Wow was I wrong! Like any other industry there is just no substitute for experience. Through hard work and my fair share of victories and defeats, I was able to understand what it took to find and manage professional contractors. From my many years of experience I have discovered that there are a few common denominators in finding quality contractors. Below I share with you a few of the most important things you must consider when hiring a contractor.

Interview Your Contractor

It's no secret that when making a hiring decision, every business in every industry has relied on interviewing employees and contractors. The interview process gives you a tremendous advantage in understanding the type of individual or business you're considering. When interviewing a contractor you get to hear their voice and see first hand what makes them so special. You get to see what it is that separates them from their competition and you get to see if they're a company you want to work with. It's an undeniable fact that the interview process is the best way to determine if there's a cohesive fit. Do your due diligence, view our company interviews on each contractor and feel confident that you're finding your perfect fit.

Price Shouldn't Guide You

When people ask me what's the most important thing to look for when finding a contractor, I always tell them to understand their goal. If your goal is to get your job done for the cheapest price, then understand that the level of quality will most likely coincide with that price. It's usually true that you get what you pay for. Now, I'm not promoting that you spend an arm and a leg for that new home, landscaping, or window replacement, but you certainly should refocus your goal. Strive to find a contractor that exemplifies a level of quality and professionalism that you expect, then start talking price. Remember each contractor wants to win your business and they have a firm understanding that price plays a significant roll in your decision making. Reputable contractors are not trying to gouge you they're trying to win your business.

Put It In Writing!

Make certain it's in writing! Most arguments between contractors and homeowners derive from undocumented expectations. If you don't have the scope of work, in writing, then you're asking for trouble. If the contractor doesn't want to take the time to write up a detailed explanation of the work he/she is going to perform, then find a new contractor. If the scope of work is provided and it's not detailed enough, then find a new contractor. This is the single most important document you need to look for. Remember, if you don't get the scope of work in writing, then you're asking for trouble.

Punctuality and Promptness

Over the years some contractors have called me difficult to work with, but I've always viewed that as a compliment. What these few contractors all failed to understand is the simple premise of doing what you say you're going to do, when you say you're going to do it. If they accomplish that then our relationship is fine, if they don't then problems occur. Now, of course you always want to discover their level of accountability as early as possible. A company or individuals' punctuality is the first telltale sign of the type of professional you're dealing with. If they can't make it to your appointment on time or call you back at the time they said they would, then how are they going to deliver on the promise that they make? The answer is; they won't. My experience has shown me that more times than not, when a contractor lacks in their punctuality and promptness, they almost certainly fail to deliver on their promise. Make sure they're prompt and punctual and you'll be on the right track.

The Gut Check

It's my firm belief that you must find a contractor that can prove to you their professionalism, but you must not forget about the gut check. What I mean is that you must have a good feeling about the company you're considering. That means you have to get along and have a good feeling about the contact person you'll be dealing with in that organization. Your main avenue of communication will most likely be with one or two people within the company. Identify them, meet them and have a good feeling about them or seriously think about finding a different contractor. It's important to understand that the emotional experience will be just as important as the work being performed. Trust your gut, it's usually right!

Due your due diligence, ask the right questions, follow the tips above and you'll have the confidence to make the right choice.