The short answer is NO. Are you kidding me? Hell is more likely to freeze over before you’ll find a builder with no “construction” flaws. But, what’s the alternative? Some projects you can handle on your own while others require a pro. On the other hand, hiring a bad contractor may lead to delays, problems at work, and sometimes even legal issues. With that in mind, we came up with a list of guidelines that will hopefully help you find a perfect builder.

Always keep your project in mind

You might think that renovations are mundane regardless of time and place. But that’s not always the case. They might be tedious, I give you that, but quite different from space to space and time of year. Take your windows, for example, and compare them to your office windows. Or your carpets, doors or walls. First thing that jumps to mind is the level of tolerance. At home, you’re more relaxed and able to enjoy your free time while at work you’ll have to focus on specific task and can’t tolerate any distractions.

This is just an example of a situation where you’d need to take a good look at your chosen contractor’s work history and experience. The fact that a particular expert has worked on hundreds of offices and not a single home means that you’re probably better off hiring a less experienced, but more specialized expert.

Get familiar with the work you need done

Once you get to know your contractor, you should completely get out of their way. Before you do that though, make sure that they have the necessary knowledge in every aspect of the project you’re hiring them for. The internet is your best ally here, as it’s an infinite source of valuable information.

For example, if your project includes working with concrete, make sure that your contractor knows all about the tilt up construction method. This is very popular nowadays and can save you a lot of time and money. It can help you see whether your contractor knows their job.

Licenses and insurances

Having a license and insurance proves that the contractor in question has credibility and knowledge. To put it simply, the license shows that the contractor has taken an exam, which proves that they know everything about building codes and processes. If a contractor has proper certification then you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off when hiring them. Nevertheless, just to be sure, get your contractor’s license number. While having a license is obligatory, having an insurance isn’t.

Most insured contractors won’t fail to brag about the fact that they are insured, as this is a huge bonus. Why? Well, if a contractor who doesn’t have insurance gets injured while working on your project, you could be held liable. This also goes for your neighbors – if an accident damages their property, you could also be held accountable. Always pick a contractor who is licensed and insured or bonded.

What does your instinct say?

Naturally, the most important aspects of picking a contractor is their professionalism, experience and expertise. But, if you’re doing some sort of home renovation, remodeling, or building project, this particular individual is going to be spending a lot of time around your family. If you happen to dislike a contractor for any reason, think twice about hiring them ‒ it might be a better idea to continue your search. This is why choosing friends who are in the field of work that you need is the best choice. If you don’t know anyone, go with your gut.

Closing thoughts

These four guidelines are here to help you with the hiring process. Always look for an expert who specializes in the field of your project, go with your gut, make sure that they are licensed and insured. Also, don’t be afraid to do your own research on the project you’re doing!