So, You Want to Hire a Contractor?!
Believe me, I've just about seen it all when it comes to builder/contractor types. In the last 8 years, I've had the pleasure of working with a few, and I mean 3. When they're great, it's great; when they're bad, it's really bad, and the biggest gut punch of all is figuring out they are bad when you are knee-deep in a project. I hear these stories all the time, and when I engage with clients looking to remodel or build, I always ask the same question.
Who is your contractor?
It's very important for the client to know who they are hiring and for us to understand who we are working with. Are they nice? Are they a good fit for your project? Can they read plans? Do they perform the work themselves, or do they sub everything out? Do they manage the job, or is it a hybrid between GC & Designer? All the above are essential and engaging questions to compile your team and clearly define roles. Roles clearly defined upfront of who does what will set your project apart from all the terrible others. At Thirteen Oak, we look at every project with our trades as a team. If we're playing baseball, we're playing baseball. If someone is out in left field trying to kick a soccer ball, we're not the right team, and the end goal is disastrous. Everyone simpatico!
Most people need a contractor at some point, right? You might even be looking for one right now. So, let's avoid any unwanted events, and I'll share the vetting questions we have gathered throughout the years. You will be educated and confident enough to make hiring decisions for small or large projects. Yay, you!
1. Do they have a license? They don't need a license to be good; I want to make that clear. What they do need is a clean license if they pay for one. Ask for their license number. Look them up on cslb.com and ensure they hold a license for what you hire them to do, have no disciplinary actions against them, and have a current and up-to-date license and insurance.
2. Do they have a website with past/current work or referrals of happy clients? Following up on the website is a big one. Are those their projects? Or are they baiting clients with pretty pictures, and they can't frame a square wall? Sounds crazy, right? It's happened.
With the contractor's permission, contact their last/past clients. Were they happy? What did they do great, and what could they have done better? If you don't get references or get pushback on references, that's your first cue to move on.
3. How do they bill? This is a big one. In California, you can only request a 10% deposit, up to a maximum of $1,000. If you see a hefty deposit request, they are not following the contract laws and most likely not following laws in general. Progress payments—your contractor should be billing you for work that has been quoted, approved by you, and completed. They cannot ask you for monies in advance for work not performed. Remember that!
4. Do they work well with others? Would bringing your designer or another vendor in be a good fit?
5. Does the job you are hiring them for coordinate with their service offerings? Do they typically work on new construction, and you just need your bathroom remodeled? They are probably not the best fit; there are other GCs that specialize in bathrooms. Do you want a full remodel, and the contractor is only experienced in bathrooms? It's best to find a GC/builder whose scope of work aligns with their expertise.
Lastly….
6. Do they work on more mid to high-end construction or primarily do flips?
Flips are quick, cheap, and meet the bare minimum. If that's your speed, then hire the flipper.
If you're looking for longevity, thoughtful decisions, and a normal-paced project, hiring a flipper is not for you.
Bookmark this post for your future contractor needs! I am always happy to answer any burning questions you may have about the contractor/construction process. Leave me a comment or reach out on social media!
Ashley
@thirteenoak