How Do You Hire The Right Contractor - What To Look Out For?

You have just visited a friend or a relative and you are very much amazed by the Electrical and Mechanical Installations. Everything is in its place, from the Water closets, Wash hand basins to Sockets and switches. How did they get a contractor with that level of skills? That would be your next question, we hope.

A Nicely Installed Home Entertainment Unit

Selecting or hiring a contractor for your projects can be quite tedious and a very much daunting task. To this regard, we share with you tips/steps to follow and what to look out for in a Building Services contractor before signing that legally binding document, Contract.

In a nutshell, any contractor you hire should be technically proficient, reputable and financially stable, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of your business. In addition, you should inquire about the contractor’s warranty and insurance, and get it in writing. Does the contractor guarantee that the work will be installed to meet code? Will the contractor correct work that does not meet applicable standards? Insist on a written estimate and a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate. Here are more tips and steps to follow to get the best Contractor for your works/Projects:

A Contractor At Work

1. Value or define the Project you want done
Is it a small maintenance or repair project or fresh works on an on going main works project? On this you can also specify whether it is a domestic or commercial installation. Stating your budget would also be a proper way of defining how much work you can achieve or want done as at that moment.

2.Make inquiries on the available Contractors or get recommendations

You can start by asking your friends or someone whose recently done a construction project for their recommendations. You can also check with Government institutions as Ministry of Public Works and regulatory bodies as Energy Regulatory Commission for the right and qualified contractor.

3.Interviews and questioning 

You can start by short phone interviews inquiring on the capability of such firms to take on your project, their financial references as suppliers or banks. a list of previous clients,  other projects they would have going at the same time and as many questions pertaining to your specific project. Based on this, you should be able to come up with a list of contractors that you would like to meet face face. Arrange for a face to face meeting to get estimates(should be free) and further discussion. To save you time and resources you can also get a qualified person to undertake this process for you.

consult someone to help you 

4. Investigate and Make further inquiries.

Confirm with the relevant regulatory bodies with their qualifications and Licenses are up to date. Other than asking former clients on how their projects went, you should also visit their current sites and see for yourself on how their projects are run.

5. Come up with a Payment Schedule.

After getting what you deem a proper bid and after discussion with a contractor, come up with a payment schedule. This very much depends on the financial capability and status of that specific contractor.For most projects, a schedule starts with 10% with the rest spread as the project progresses.

6. Draw A Contract?

Draw up a contract that details every step of the project: payment schedule; proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation payments; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn't pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers. 

''Insisting on a clear contract isn't about mistrust insuring a successful project.''

7. Be As Much Personal

Go with your gut. We all have different personalities and ways we conduct business. If a contractor rubs you the wrong way and/or is unresponsive and hard to deal with before you start the project, chances are they will be even worse once works commences.

We hope this was helpful and you can, on your own, get and hire a contractor for your various projects.