To answer the first question that is on everyone’s mind: Yes, hiring a commercial contractor is the right thing to do. A Dallas TX commercial contractor helps its clients to secure the proper permits and variances. They can also help with financing. That way clients work with the budget they have and do not extend it.
Not all commercial contractors are going to be the same either. Clients need to take into consideration the project, the scale, and the necessary materials that are needed. Below is a small checklist of things to consider when hiring a good general contractor.
1)The Referral
Kelly should think about asking her friends who have used various contractors. Kelly needs to find out which person is the best for the job she needs to be done. After all, Kelly’s friend would not recommend someone unless they have the utmost faith in that person.
Kelly can create a checklist of her various needs and wants. She should go down the checklist with every contractor she talks to. She can then narrow her choices down to the top 2-3 people. Her list needs to be narrow. That way she can make an informed decision.
2)The Skills
The contractor Kelly hires has to have the necessary skills. The person can look great on paper, but the field work is where things count the most.
Can Kelly trust the person to communicate throughout the process in the way she needs?
Will the person just do things without talking to Kelly first?
Does the person work well with others?
Does the person prefer to ride solo?
Riding solo can only get you a person so far. No man can be an island unto themselves.
Kelly should consider hiring someone else once the person demonstrates their lack of communication skills. Kelly will be able to find that out within the first few minutes of communication.
The person might start tuning her out when the conversation does not interest him. He may just decide to do his own thing and not listen to her. Kelly should be aware of these things early on before she agrees to hire him full-time.
3)What Kind of Relationships Has the Person Had In the Past?
It is one thing for the person to say they will do something. Carrying out the act is something different. Kelly needs someone who walks the walk, and not just talks the talk.
Did the person work well with others in the past?
Kelly needs to reference his staff, both current and past. Kelly also should speak with one of his past subcontractors. Ask the person how it was to work with the person. That could give Kelly and indication as to whether or not she is making the right choice.
Was the person more focused on a long-term relationship? Short-term?
Why?
Those answers could provide valuable insight for Kelly, as she searches for her general contractor. The question and answer portion of the process may be time-consuming, but the relationship she has with her contractor will be long-lasting.
4)The Unforeseeable Future
What happens when there is a problem with the job? There will be various issues that arise. Kelly needs to know how the contractor will deal with those problems. She needs someone who will manage the issues with a level head. She does not need someone who will drop everything and run away.