Ten Questions to Ask When Hiring a Contractor
Are you considering hiring a contractor for your new home build? Hiring a contractor is a much more complex process than it seems. There are many things to consider before hiring a general contractor. For example, is the contractor licensed and insured? What are their qualifications? Do they have enough experience in the carpentry industry? And simply put, can they deliver?
Some contractors might be good at building new things, but not so good at renovating existing structures. Some might specialize in carpentry, while others might only do electrical work. It's important to find a contractor that has the skills you need for your project.
These are 10 questions you should ask before making the commitment and hiring a general contractor for your project.
Are they quick to respond?
I always give 48 hours. If you don’t get a call within that period, it may be a sign that the contractor doesn’t have enough time to take on your project. Ultimately, what good is a general contractor that is never available.
With Construction MAK, your search for a reliable contractor is over. We are always happy to discuss projects with our clients and help them build the house of their dreams for years to come.
Are they accommodating?
Remember, this is a date. Are they on time? Are they in a rush to leave? Do you get along with them? Do you agree with their opinions? You want to know that your contractor is going to put what it takes into your job. These details can be valuable forecasters of how they will perform.
Construction MAK believes in getting to know each and every client personally and will dedicate the time it takes to gain a deeper understanding of your project, vision, and overall objectives.
How big is your company?
You ask this because you want to know who’s going to be on the job. If the owner or project manager can’t make it one day, will someone else come in his place? Construction MAK has a team of journeymen carpenters, architects, expert sub-traders, interior designers, and property managers at your disposal.
Are you licensed? Contractors must be licensed to perform electrical and plumbing work. Construction MAK’s work is completely insured (RBQ #5806 3660-01) and is built to last generations. This ensures that your new home build is protected in the long-term, offering our clients some much-needed peace of mind and protection.
What experience do you have?
A great question to ask a general contractor before hiring them is their level of experience? Simply put, do they have what it takes to complete your job and with what level of professionalism. In the construction industry, the more experience a contractor has, the likelier the company is to transform your vision into a reality.
With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Construction MAK has forged solid relationships with local providers and is ready to undertake your project, no matter how ambitious it may seem.
Can we have weekly meetings?
When I’m doing a job, I like to have a weekly meeting so we can update the client and get all their questions answered. At Construction MAK, transparency is key and we keep you in the loop throughout the entire project.
What are your payment terms?
Construction MAK works with budgets of all sizes, sourcing the very best materials from quality, local providers. The best way to determine your budget is to schedule a meeting with our team and we can scope out your new home build, renovation, carpentry or interior design project.
Are you willing to put in writing how long the job is going to take?
Project timeline is extremely important, ensuring appropriate expectations are set. Simply put, will your project take 1 day, 3 weeks, or a full month? The best way to get an accurate estimate of time is to schedule an in-person meeting with the Construction MAK team. From there, we will be able to give you an accurate timeline, outline our process and suggested approach for your project.
Will you give a time frame for fixing any mistakes or imperfections I notice?
Even the best contractors can miss things—a light-switch plate is off, a towel bar is loose. How long is it going to take them to come back and get these things up to standard? If at any point you are left unsatisfied, a good contract will remain in touch with you and ensure every last detail has been taken care of – even after the job is done.
Will you come back after the job is done?
If I’m willing to pay you, can you service the job you did? If the light burns out, will you replace it? Hiring a contractor is like finding a good doctor. You want someone who can keep your project in good health after the job is done.
When you hire Construction MAK, you become a member of our community, gaining immediate access to on-call services. Like our homes, our relationships with our clients are built to last for generations.
Construction that lasts generations
At Construction MAK we believe in building homes that last generations using the very best materials and the latest tools and innovative methods. Don’t believe us? Check out our gallery.
If you are looking to build a new home but are unsure where to start, get in touch with the Construction MAK team today. We will make your dream become a reality, using our 15 years of experience in the construction industry. Contact us today and start planning your new home build.