Whether you are a commercial developer preparing to build an outdoor mall, a doctor dreaming of a new office building, or a member of a hospital’s board of directors wanting to build a new wing, you will need to hire a general contractor.
Because a construction project is multi-faceted, complex, and involves many different phases and people, the general contractor you choose will determine if your project stays on time and budget. Hiring a great general contractor can reduce your stress and actually make your building experience enjoyable!
Here are four questions to ask when you hire a general contractor:
1. Do I trust this company?
Are the leaders of this company good, trustworthy people? Do they promise one thing and deliver another? Is this company known for their change orders? This means their goal is to suck as much money out of you as possible due to “unexpected” issues and costs. If you don’t feel like the general contractor you are speaking with is on your team and will make decisions for the good of the project, end users, and your budget… RUN! Contact their references, find out what the company’s reputation is, and pay attention to your gut.
Questions you can ask:
- How do you ensure a project stays on time and budget?
- Can I have a list of references for the most recent projects you’ve worked on?
2. Does this company do quality work?
Interview the owners of the company and find out if they have managed projects like yours in the past. Look at pictures of their past projects and review their leadership team’s portfolios. Ask the company how they have handled specific problems that came up during previous projects like yours. If the general contractor is willing to cut corners, promising one thing but delivering less, your project will suffer.
Questions you can ask:
- What project are you most proud of and why?
- How did you handle unexpected problems that came up on your most recent project?
3. Are they good communicators?
A good general contractor will never leave you in the dark or ignore your phone calls. When interviewing a potential general contractor, get a feel for their communication style. How do they communicate with subcontractors? How often will they provide you with project updates? How can you get a hold of them and how long will it take for them to return your phone calls or emails? The communication skills of your general contractor will be directly tied to your stress level during the construction process.
Questions you can ask:
- How do you communicate with subcontractors?
- How often will you provide me with project updates?
- How can I get a hold of you and how long will it take for you to return my phone calls or emails?
4. Do they prioritize safety?
A company who prioritizes safety cares about people. Don’t settle for anything less. Ask a general contractor for a full rundown of the safety measures they take to protect their employees, trade partners, clients, and the public.
Questions you can ask:
- What does your safety orientation for a new field staff member entail?
- How does your company care for the well being of your employees? (ex. proper compensation, time off, etc.)
At Nexgeneral Construction, we hold these four considerations in high regard. We prioritize early collaboration with the client, contractor and design teams to ensure everyone is working within your budget and timeline. Our value for people and your long-term success guide every decision we make. Because we view our clients as our partners, clear, consistent, and caring communication marks our work.
It’s a general contractor’s job to alleviate your stress, solve problems that arise during the construction process, and work hand in hand with you to bring your vision to life on time and within your budget.
If you live in the Central California, Fresno area, and are ready to start a construction project, we’d love to meet you! Click the button below to connect with Nexgeneral Construction today.