Are you in the process of building your own house? Do you have a renovation project lined up? If so, you’ll need to find a qualified contractor to do the job. The contractor you hire should be knowledgeable and experienced in the construction field. The success of your project depends on them.
If you’re not sure what to look for in a contractor, here are 11 things your contractor should know before starting the job:
- The building code- Every state and municipality has its building code. This code regulates the construction process to ensure that all buildings are safe. Your contractor should be familiar with the building code in your area. It’s their responsibility to make sure that the work they do meets all code requirements.
- The zoning laws- Zoning laws dictate how the land can be used. They’re put in place to ensure that buildings are built safely and by the law. You can’t build just anything anywhere. There are restrictions in place that your contractor should be aware of.
- The permits- To start any construction project, you need to have the proper permits. Your contractor should know how to obtain the necessary permits for your project. Some projects require more permits than others. Your contractor must be familiar with the permitting process to avoid any delays.
- The property lines- Your contractor needs to know where the property lines are. They need to make sure that they don’t build anything on your neighbor’s property. They also need to be aware of any easements or right-of-ways that may be on your property. You don’t want them to accidentally build something that they’re not supposed to.
- The utility lines- Your contractor needs to know where the gas, water, and electricity lines are located. They need to avoid damaging these lines when they’re doing work on your property. Aside from being a safety hazard, damaging these lines can be expensive to repair. Working around them can also be a challenge, so your contractor needs to be prepared.
- The type of foundation- The type of foundation your house has will dictate how the contractor builds on it. This is an important factor to consider because the wrong type of foundation can lead to serious structural problems. When in doubt, your contractor should always err on the side of caution and use a stronger foundation.
- The condition of the structure- If your house is old, it’s going to be in a different condition than a new house. Your contractor needs to take this into account when they’re doing work on it. They need to be careful not to damage any fragile parts of the structure. Determining the soil type is also important. This will dictate what type of foundation your contractor can use.
- The construction equipment they’ll need to use- This includes heavy-duty construction equipment like excavators and cranes. Your contractor should be familiar with the equipment they’ll need to use. They should also have a plan for how they’re going to use it without damaging your property.
- The construction schedule- A good contractor will have a detailed construction schedule. This schedule outlines the start date, completion date, and milestones in between. It also includes a buffer for weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances. If your contractor doesn’t have a construction schedule, that’s a red flag.
- The cost of materials and labor- A good contractor will be able to give you an estimate of the cost of materials and labor. They should also be able to break down their estimate so you know where your money is going. This will help you budget for your project and avoid any surprises down the line.
- Their insurance coverage– Your contractor should have insurance to protect them in case of an accident. This includes workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance. If they don’t have insurance, you could be held responsible if someone is injured while working on your property. Make sure you ask about their insurance coverage before you hire them.
These are just a few of the things your contractor should know before they start work on your property. By asking them these questions, you can be sure that you’re hiring a competent and professional contractor.
