With Tampa’s remodeling market thriving, many homeowners are thinking of doing their own projects. The question is: how do you hire the right person for the job?
Of course, the first thing you should ensure is that your contractor is licensed and insured. The thing is, this isn’t a guarantee they’ll do a good job. A solid contractor should possess many other qualities that reflect their reliability and competence.
Need some help with choosing licensed general contractors in Tampa? Here’s a quick guide that will help you sort the wheat from the chaff!
Gather and Evaluate Recommendations
One of the best ways to find licensed contractor services is to ask reliable sources for recommendations. Your friends and family are more likely to provide a realistic view of their experience and offer insights into a contractor’s:
- Professionalism
- Work quality
- Reliability
Professional associations can be another great resource. They keep track of licensed professionals who comply with industry standards and do quality work. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is a good place to start.
Finally, consider talking to building inspectors or employees at local Tampa lumberyards. Since they regularly interact with general contractors, they’ll know which ones pay their bills on time and buy quality materials.
Conduct Interviews
The next step is to narrow down your options by conducting phone interviews with potential contractors. Some of the questions you should ask include:
- Do they take on projects of your size?
- Can they provide financial references?
- How long have they been working with their subcontractors?
- How many projects do they have going at the same time?
Pay attention to how quickly and carefully the contractor answers these questions. This is a key indicator of their communication skills and professionalism. They also reveal the contractor’s reliability and experience.
During interviews, look for signs that the contractor isn’t quite reputable. For example, they may be reluctant to share references or financial information. If you notice any red flags, it’s best to remove that contractor from your list.
Investigate Work History
Once you find a few promising contractors, go through their background and work history. This will help you ensure they’re a good fit for your project.
The best way to verify a contractor’s work is to speak with their former clients. Ask them about work quality and how well they stuck to their budget and timeline. If possible, go and see any of the company’s past projects in person.
If you can swing it, visit the contractor’s current work site. This is a good way to observe how they approach their projects, including factors such as:
- Safety
- Cleanliness
- Management style
- Demeanor of the workers
Compare Bids
Another key part of choosing a Tampa general contracting firm is opting for the best bid. When comparing bids, look at the detailed cost breakdowns. This will help you identify significant discrepancies between bids and avoid misunderstandings.
At a minimum, you should ask potential contractors for a detailed outline of:
- Cost of labor
- Cost of materials
- Profit margins
If you get a bid that’s significantly lower than the rest, you should rarely take it. Chances are, that contractor is cutting corners. They may also be desperate for any work, which may lead to poor work quality and communication.
For best results, discuss the project timeline with each contractor. A good general contractor will give you a realistic timeline and explain any challenges that might arise. It helps to have some knowledge of what to expect.
Conduct In-Person Meetings
Meeting face-to-face with Tampa construction experts can help you identify solid communicators. This is important since they’ll likely be in your house for a while. These meetings are a good time to discuss your project in detail.
Pay particular attention to the contractor’s demeanor. You should choose someone you feel comfortable with, but don’t let personality fool you. It’s essential to find the right balance between qualifications and personal compatibility.
Before meeting with a contractor in person, it may be worth it to run another check on their reputation and credentials. You can do so by checking with the Better Business Bureau or Florida’s consumer protection agency.
Align Payment Schedules
By now, you should have selected a contractor, and it’s time to finalize the terms. A key part of this is creating a structured payment schedule. This motivates contractors to stick to their timelines and quality standards.
A good way to maintain control over the project is to align your payment schedules with project phases. For larger remodeling projects, a good schedule may look like:
- 10% at contract signing
- three 25% payments over the project’s duration
- 15% at the completion of work
Another thing you should do is clearly outline the process for addressing potential disputes and changes. Specify if disputes will be managed via arbitration or mediation. This will help you avoid legal complications down the road.
Ensure Legal Compliance
A home renovation in Tampa must meet certain safety standards and building codes. A reputable contractor will handle the necessary paperwork for you. Confirm who will organize schedule inspections during the planning phase.
Lien releases are another key part of protecting your rights. Make sure that your contract requires the contractor to get lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers. That way, you won’t be held responsible for any unpaid bills.
This is also a good time to confirm your contractor carries the right insurance. This includes workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify them with their insurance provider.
Choosing Licensed General Contractors in Tampa
As you can see, choosing licensed general contractors in Tampa is far from a simple task. By following the above tips, you’ll be able to hire the best contractor for your project and lay the foundation for a successful remodeling project.
At the Kitchen & Bath Design Center, we’ve helped thousands of Tampa homeowners like you since 2000. We’re a licensed, insured, and A-rated BBB business that can do any remodeling project you can think of!
Not sure if KBF Design Tampa is the right fit for your needs? Contact us now to schedule a free in-home consultation or learn more about our creative approach!