Ask a Professional - March 2008

How to pick the right contractor

What does picking a contractor and picking a horse have in common? Answer: Plenty! If you want the best and fastest horse, you need to see their track record. You check the horse’s last race past history. Then you also check out the jockey. Then you place your bet! How come so many people pick a contractor to work on there home and don’t even check out the contractor’s last project, let alone check out their references? Sometimes they will choose the contractor that best meets their budget. Can you imagine picking the cheapest horse? What are odds of that horse paying off? On the other hand some people pick a friend or a relative thinking it’s safer. Problem is that a friend or a relative may think that they can let their guard down when it comes to how long it takes or their integrity may waiver because of their relationship. Besides if there are any problems, it may be a bit awkward going after him or her.

     When choosing the right contractor look at their track record in these areas: Honesty; is it realistic to think that you can build a house in 2 months? Integrity; will he or will he not pay the sub-contractors. Experience; do I have to provide the plans and requirements to submit for the city? Flexibility; can I do some of the work too? Consistency; my job didn’t turn out as well as your last job.

Written by: Bruce Greenberg, Greenberg Construction