There are many contractors in every community, some are great, some well they should be in a different industry. Weeding through the great and not so great contractors can turn into a full time job. If a few simple steps are taken before hiring someone to build the home it can really make a difference in the whole project.
Word of mouth is the best advertisement, this is a true statement. If someone is satisfied with someone’s work they love to tell about it. Approach friends, neighbors and relatives and tell them that you plan on building a home and ask for the names of contractors they have used that they were satisfied with. Compile a list of the names that you receive and start calling the contractors and tell them what your project is about. Prepare a form setting out in detail the projects specifications and circulate it to the contractors that will be available to work on the project, setting a clear deadline for the bidding period.
Contractors write bids all the time, bids are essentially estimates for a project. Bids should fall within the same price range and only vary by a couple of thousand dollars, usually the best bid is somewhere midway between the highest and the lowest. The lowest bid is not necessarily the best bid, because it can be a gross underestimation of the cost, or it could indicate that the contractor does not have enough staff to complete the project or it may indicate a whole slew of other things. The bids will be submitted on a form that should be easy to read and understand. This form will become part of other real estate forms along the process. The bid is not truly a legal form but will be considered as one once the project begins. So if the bid is to complete the project for $1000000 and there are no real changes to the project than it should not vary much from that price. The bid is legally binding. Every change should be indicated in writing.
Communication with your contractor is key, so if you are considering hiring a contractor and the communication does not feel right, move on to the next one. It is very important to feel comfortable with your choice. You are the boss in this situation and should not feel intimidated or as if you can not approach the contractor. Keep every form you receive from the contractor and get everything in writing.
A little hard work in the beginning of the project will save the headaches during the experience.