How To Hire A Contractor
Newspapers, Television & Radio News, books, and magazines all have some very disturbing insights of the contracting industry.
It's common knowledge. Contractors, for the most part, have a horrible image. To us here at OZ Construction Services Inc. this really disturbs us! We know that we are the hardest working, good, honest, conscientious, and decent group of people a client could ever meet.
Unfortunately, almost everyone you speak to about contractors has nothing good to say about them. Fortunately, for us, we have never had this problem. However, we would like to point out exactly why things of this nature are stated by consumers every day. Below are the reasons why this takes place.
At some point in time, we have all heard someone say that they hired a contractor to complete a project at their home or apartment and it turned into a nightmare.
The reason for this is a two part problem. The first part of the problem is that you have unqualified individuals or companies posing as true professional contractors. Secondly you have home and apartment owners hiring these companies or individuals simply because their price to complete your work is much lower than a truly qualified contractor. Consumers simply get free estimates from contractor after contractor. They pick each one's brain as they go along until finally one shows up and gives them a price that they can either afford, think is correct, or are willing to pay.
Don't hire a contractor based on lowest price alone. The basis of a contractor's price is important. Do not simply hire a contractor with the lowest estimate. Examine and breakdown each estimate. Is the price of materials low compared to other estimates? The materials could be inferior. If one contractor's price is lower than another's his standard of professionalism and workmanship may not be up to par with a more qualified contractor. Or the contractor may have made a mistake on the price. Weigh all factors-price quote, references, professionalism, and your gut feeling before making a decision.
You must understand that there are no deals or specials in this industry, you get exactly what you pay for when it comes to hiring a contractor or for that matter, anything in life. All contractors are not created equal as some consumers may think or want to believe because of price differences in estimates you receive prior to beginning your work.
Below is a Contractor Selection Checklist which applies to the state of Florida. If you follow the guidelines of this list and not allow yourself to select your contractor based on price alone, you will have protected yourself to the highest degree and succeeded in choosing the right company to complete your remodeling or renovation project. You will also discover that OZ Construction Services Inc. is that right company.
Licensing & Insurance
Is the contractor you are considering hiring Licensed? - If so, what type of license does he have? OZ Construction holds a State Certified General Contractor license - A "general contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.
References & Complaints
Make sure the contractor you are thinking of hiring provides you with a list of references of recent former clients. This is the most definitive way to come to a conclusion on a contractors experience and professionalism. Ask that they provide at least 5 names, numbers, and addresses of clients who they have completed work for.
Contract & Warranties
Your contractor should provide an accurate written proposal with crystal clear specific details describing all work to be completed on your project, materials to be used, total cost of the project, payment schedule and time schedule with start and completion date, etc.
Does the contract provide any warranties for the work that is about to be completed for you?. All work should be guaranteed for a period of one year from completion date.
Project Management & Supervision
Who will supervise and run the work on your project? What qualifications and Licensing does this individual have?
The difference between the success and failure of your renovation project for the most part is in the hands of the construction manager or supervisor.
As mentioned above, at OZ Construction Services Inc. all projects are managed and supervised by the owner of the company on a daily basis.
Services Offered & Similar Projects
Ask the contractor what services they offer. Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Tile & Stone Work, Glass Work, Wood Flooring Installations, Doors, Windows, Painting & Plastering, Moldings & Trim Work, etc.
Ask the contractor how many projects like the one you would like to have completed for yourself has his company completed for former clients. Ask him to show you pictures of the completed projects, and if he could put you in contact with these former clients of the company so you may view the work.
About The Contractor or Company Representative
Communication between you and the contractor is key. When you interview the potential contractor, you should feel at ease and comfortable talking with him. Keep in mind, that he will be the one working on your most valuable investment!
Explain the desires you have for your construction project. Can the contractor offer you any real solutions to things that you can't figure out on your own? Communication is the number one factor to a productive client/contractor relationship. By clearly defining your desires and ideas, asking the right types of questions, and listening to the contractor's solutions, you will clearly know if he is the right person for your project, and someone who you feel you can work closely with.
Ask yourself a few questions about the contractor or company representative after your initial meeting with him.
A. Was he easy to talk to? Did he listen to your explanations of what you desired on your project?
B. Was he businesslike and professional? Did he appear to know exactly what he was talking about?
C. Was he accommodating? Did he answer all your questions to your satisfaction?
D. Comfort Level: Did you get the feeling he was a good, honest person? Would you feel comfortable working with him?
Again, if you follow the guidelines of this list and not allow yourself to select your contractor based on price alone, you will have protected yourself to the highest degree and succeeded in choosing OZ Construction Services Inc. as your contractor.
It's common knowledge. Contractors, for the most part, have a horrible image. To us here at OZ Construction Services Inc. this really disturbs us! We know that we are the hardest working, good, honest, conscientious, and decent group of people a client could ever meet.
Unfortunately, almost everyone you speak to about contractors has nothing good to say about them. Fortunately, for us, we have never had this problem. However, we would like to point out exactly why things of this nature are stated by consumers every day. Below are the reasons why this takes place.
At some point in time, we have all heard someone say that they hired a contractor to complete a project at their home or apartment and it turned into a nightmare.
The reason for this is a two part problem. The first part of the problem is that you have unqualified individuals or companies posing as true professional contractors. Secondly you have home and apartment owners hiring these companies or individuals simply because their price to complete your work is much lower than a truly qualified contractor. Consumers simply get free estimates from contractor after contractor. They pick each one's brain as they go along until finally one shows up and gives them a price that they can either afford, think is correct, or are willing to pay.
Don't hire a contractor based on lowest price alone. The basis of a contractor's price is important. Do not simply hire a contractor with the lowest estimate. Examine and breakdown each estimate. Is the price of materials low compared to other estimates? The materials could be inferior. If one contractor's price is lower than another's his standard of professionalism and workmanship may not be up to par with a more qualified contractor. Or the contractor may have made a mistake on the price. Weigh all factors-price quote, references, professionalism, and your gut feeling before making a decision.
You must understand that there are no deals or specials in this industry, you get exactly what you pay for when it comes to hiring a contractor or for that matter, anything in life. All contractors are not created equal as some consumers may think or want to believe because of price differences in estimates you receive prior to beginning your work.
Below is a Contractor Selection Checklist which applies to the state of Florida. If you follow the guidelines of this list and not allow yourself to select your contractor based on price alone, you will have protected yourself to the highest degree and succeeded in choosing the right company to complete your remodeling or renovation project. You will also discover that OZ Construction Services Inc. is that right company.
Licensing & Insurance
Is the contractor you are considering hiring Licensed? - If so, what type of license does he have? OZ Construction holds a State Certified General Contractor license - A "general contractor" means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.
References & Complaints
Make sure the contractor you are thinking of hiring provides you with a list of references of recent former clients. This is the most definitive way to come to a conclusion on a contractors experience and professionalism. Ask that they provide at least 5 names, numbers, and addresses of clients who they have completed work for.
Contract & Warranties
Your contractor should provide an accurate written proposal with crystal clear specific details describing all work to be completed on your project, materials to be used, total cost of the project, payment schedule and time schedule with start and completion date, etc.
Does the contract provide any warranties for the work that is about to be completed for you?. All work should be guaranteed for a period of one year from completion date.
Project Management & Supervision
Who will supervise and run the work on your project? What qualifications and Licensing does this individual have?
The difference between the success and failure of your renovation project for the most part is in the hands of the construction manager or supervisor.
As mentioned above, at OZ Construction Services Inc. all projects are managed and supervised by the owner of the company on a daily basis.
Services Offered & Similar Projects
Ask the contractor what services they offer. Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Tile & Stone Work, Glass Work, Wood Flooring Installations, Doors, Windows, Painting & Plastering, Moldings & Trim Work, etc.
Ask the contractor how many projects like the one you would like to have completed for yourself has his company completed for former clients. Ask him to show you pictures of the completed projects, and if he could put you in contact with these former clients of the company so you may view the work.
About The Contractor or Company Representative
Communication between you and the contractor is key. When you interview the potential contractor, you should feel at ease and comfortable talking with him. Keep in mind, that he will be the one working on your most valuable investment!
Explain the desires you have for your construction project. Can the contractor offer you any real solutions to things that you can't figure out on your own? Communication is the number one factor to a productive client/contractor relationship. By clearly defining your desires and ideas, asking the right types of questions, and listening to the contractor's solutions, you will clearly know if he is the right person for your project, and someone who you feel you can work closely with.
Ask yourself a few questions about the contractor or company representative after your initial meeting with him.
A. Was he easy to talk to? Did he listen to your explanations of what you desired on your project?
B. Was he businesslike and professional? Did he appear to know exactly what he was talking about?
C. Was he accommodating? Did he answer all your questions to your satisfaction?
D. Comfort Level: Did you get the feeling he was a good, honest person? Would you feel comfortable working with him?
Again, if you follow the guidelines of this list and not allow yourself to select your contractor based on price alone, you will have protected yourself to the highest degree and succeeded in choosing OZ Construction Services Inc. as your contractor.