7 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR

Choosing the right construction company can be a difficult task. There are many variables to consider, and it is up to you as the customer to make sure that you have done your research before committing. If you don't know where to begin, this blog post will provide seven important factors for consideration when choosing a construction contractor. Read on!

1. Do your research!

First and foremost, there are a number of ways you can do your research. If the company has an official website or social media page, check them out! You'll be able to find a great deal of information on their location, what they specialize in, and more. Other times, it's necessary to call up the company directly – this is often the best way to get a feel for their work ethic, make sure that they are licensed and bonded, etc.

Another way to do research is to search google. For instance, if you are looking for a roofing company, type in the company name or type in "best PVC roofing contractor" and then look through those pages. You'll find a number of forums with reviews for different companies – check out these reviews to see what kind of work they do!

As a final note, it is always important to talk with other people in your area who have used the company's services before deciding for sure!

In any case, it's important to understand what you're getting into before committing! 

2. Ask for references and testimonials

After you've done some preliminary research, it's time to hit the phone lines. Ask for references and testimonials – this will give you a better understanding of how they work in person. The company might not be able to provide direct references due to various reasons (contracts, confidentiality agreements), but if they can't then ask them for a list of previous clients who are willing to speak with you.

Do this as often as necessary! Once is not enough – the more information you have, the better your decision will be when it comes time to make a final choice. 

3. Check out the contractor's work history

A good way to get a feel for the contractor's work ethic and style is by looking at their past projects. Check out the company profile on sites like Houzz or Angie's List, then look up specific testimonials from previous clients (this will be easier if you have some contact information). Seeing what they've done before can give you a good idea of how they work and what to expect. 

The more you know, the better!

4. Make sure they're licensed, bonded, and insured

One of the most important considerations when choosing a construction company is whether they are licensed, bonded, and insured. It's essential that you do your research on this to make sure that they have all three – not doing so could lead to big legal hassles if something goes wrong. Some common examples include workman's compensation insurance (mandatory in most states) and project liability insurance (which protects against claims).

This is a no-brainer, but it's essential to make sure they have the right documentation! 

5. Check online reviews

It's always a good idea to check online reviews before choosing any company. This will give you an understanding of what previous clients had to say, and might be able to provide insight into the work ethic or style of the company that may not have been mentioned anywhere else! 

It is important never to solely rely on these reviews though – reviews are subject to opinion, and it's hard for anyone else other than you the customer to know what your needs may be. 

The more research you do on all areas of the company – from construction work history (including testimonials) to online reviews - the better off you'll be in selecting a construction contractor!

6. Get everything in writing before you sign anything

The most important thing to remember when choosing a construction company is that you need everything in writing before signing anything. This means contracts, promises of workmanship and service, etc. It's absolutely necessary to do this – otherwise there could be consequences if the contractor doesn't live up to their end of the bargain (not getting what was promised).

7. Be aware of scams

In order to prevent scams, be sure that you're dealing with a reputable company. This means checking out their work history (including testimonials) and making sure they have the proper documentation (licensing, bonding, and insurance). And don't forget to review any contracts before signing! 

It's also a good idea to get in touch with their company references and do as much research as possible before choosing a construction contractor. The more informed you are, the better off you'll be in making an educated decision!

The best way to find the right construction company for your project is by doing research, asking others about their experiences with possible contractors, and finding out if they are licensed. Be wary of any contractor that offers a deal too good to be true--there's always a catch!