How to hire a general contractor -- 5/30 workshop & tips from a pro

[Cheryl Cort]

How to hire a general contractor: 5/30 noon DCRA workshop & tips from a pro

If you want to build an ADU or Accessory Apartment, you’ll almost certainly need to hire a contractor. The process of finding a good one, however, can be intimidating and confusing.

On May 30, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, DCRA’s Homeowner’s Center is offering a How to Select a Design Professional & General Contractor Workshop. Check out the details here to sign up. You can also see DCRA’s advice on how to hire a contractor here.

Below, Adam Grate, an experienced general contractor and inspector, gave us tips on how to find a quality contractor and build a good relationship with them throughout the building process.

Finding the right person

• Make a detailed plan of what you want before you contact any contractors.  An architect can be a great place to start.

• Local neighborhood forums and email chains can be a great resource for past experiences with specific contractors

• Ask for their last three jobs as references – it gives a more accurate representation of recent work and how that contractor can meet your expectations   

• Ask to visit a current or past project the contractors have completed.  Most good contractors are proud to show off their work

• Ask about similar projects the contractor has done in the past – were there problems? How did they get resolved?

• Check their insurances (general liability, workers comp, and bond) – this can show that they are responsible and where they are located

• Ask about their sub-contractors and who will be doing what

• Get at least three bids on a specific set of plans so that you are comparing apples to apples.

• Look for a detailed estimate – an estimate that includes ‘Fix house for $XX,000.00’ is not helpful.  What is included?

• Communication is key.  Make sure your communication styles match (phone, email, text, etc.)

• Choose someone with good references who meets your needs, and who you get along with

Build a good relationship

• Expect to put money down – progress payments (3-5) are the industry norm for larger projects.  Final payment should not be made until project is completed.

• Set expectations with a written job and payment schedule – there will likely be delays, but this can help keep everybody on the same page and keep the project moving forward

• Put ONE person in charge of making decisions and communicating with your contractor – if there are two or more people making decisions for the project, wires can get crossed and create delays

• Set weekly, in-person, on-site meetings with your contractor – this can help keep everyone on the same page and catch any possible problems early

• Document your interactions – this is helpful if a project goes sideways and a legal recourse is required, but it is also very important to ensure a project is staying on track

• Have both parties sign notes made on each in-person meeting and follow up phone calls with emails – this protects you and your contractor

• Understand changes will likely happen – unexpected costs will arise, so be prepared

• Let your contractor handle the entire project – this can be hard for many property owners: “my uncle is a plumber; I can hang the drywall; I have a handyman that can paint the doors…” This is throwing a wrench in the project that tends to generate longer project times and finger pointing if there are problems.  It is helpful to have one person that is responsible for the entire project.

Adam Grate has over ten years of experience as a general contractor in the restoration industry. He can be reached at: adam...@gmail.com

Are you a general contractor who has advice to share? Do you want to be listed as a contractor interested in building basement apartments and garage apartments? Get in touch with us: Che...@smartergrowth.net.