Before employing a building contractor ask these questions

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.ne

In a previous article Finding contractors for your home building and renovation project we discussed how you should go about looking for the right building contractor for your home building project. In another article Read This Before Selecting Your Home Renovation and Building Contractor we discussed what you should consider when you employ a contractor. In this article I present a few simple questions you should ask potential contractors before employing them for your home building project.

• Will you prepare the plans (if this is a requirement)?
• Will you arrange council and other required approvals?
• Do you have insurance – including worker’s compensation insurance?
• Is your company registered? (Check the registration provided.)
• Do you have the required building licenses to work in this state? (Check that the license is valid and current.)
• Can I have references of previous clients?
• Will there be a full time project manager? If not how often will they be on site?
• Will I be welcome to visit the project at any time?
• Can I view other projects you've completed?
• What other projects are you currently working on?
• Do you have resources for my project?
• What work will you subcontract?
• Are there outstanding legal cases against your company?
• Do you have the capabilities and experience to do the work?

In a future article we look at what to consider and check when reviewing the contractor's price.

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​This is an extract from my new book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' which also contains lots more valuable information to save you money and ensure that your home build or renovation project is a success. Click on the image to read a preview on Amazon. The book is available in paper or ebook form from Amazon and other online stores, or ask your local bookstore to order a copy for you. For tips on designing your new house as well as renovation ideas read Volume 2 - Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home 
​© 2019 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

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