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Finding contractors for your home building and renovation project

2/7/2019

27 Comments

 

Ensure you find a building contractor capable of doing the work

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​​A building contractor must be selected that can execute the type of construction work you require doing, that has the capabilities, and who operates in your region. There are often thousands of contractors (bricklayers, builders, electricians, painters, joiners, tilers, roofers, plumbers, etc), but even so it can be hard to find one willing and capable to do your building project.
  • The best solution is to approach contractors you’ve previously successfully worked with on other building projects. However, it will still be necessary to check that they’re interested in carrying out the work and that they have the required resources available. Since you last worked with the contractor circumstances may have changed and they could for instance have new managers who aren’t as focused as the ones in place when they last worked for you. They may also now be committed to other building projects and have limited resources, or only the ‘B team’ is available for your construction work.
  • A simple solution is to search for construction contractors on the web. By typing in the trade and the location it’s possible to obtain a selection of contractors. Visiting their websites usually provides more useful information including their contact details. Often websites provide details of previous construction projects. Sometimes though, not all the possible contractors come up in a simple search since some may not have websites and others might not be shown as operating in your location even if they are. There’s also often little indication of the size of construction work that the contractor can undertake, nor of their resources. Websites also only give examples of their satisfied customers. For example: I required a retaining wall to be replaced, but a number of contractors I approached weren’t willing to price the project. For some the project was too big, while for others the project was too small. This wasted lots of my time.
  • Looking through local newspapers, or even the relevant trade publications will sometimes produce advertisements of contractors working in the area. Again it’s difficult to gauge their reliability or their capabilities.
  • There’re often forums and associations in many regions, such as ‘Master Builders’ or specific trade organisations and groups. These associations should have a list of building contractors operating in the area who would be capable of undertaking your construction work. The fact that the contractor belongs to such an organisation provides some level of comfort, although often there’s no restriction or qualifications required to belong to the forum or association (other than paying a fee), and few of these organisations can punish members that don’t perform, unless they’re serial offenders.
  • Driving through the area you’ll often see sign boards, vehicles or equipment with the names of contractors working in the area. Stop at these work sites and talk to the project owner, perhaps even view the contractor’s work to see their quality and professionalism.
  • Often acquaintances, colleagues, businesses and neighbours may have contacts for contractors (painters, plumbers, tilers, electricians and builders) that have worked for them in the past.
  • In some areas, local tradespeople and building companies can register with a central tendering (pricing) or quotation company. The central company can be contacted and the project’s requirements and location specified. Usually a number of suitable companies will respond and provide a price for the work. Sometimes these systems have a well-established website and it’s possible to review what past clients said about the work of each of the contractors. This is usually only useful for smaller projects.
  • Designers, architects, quantity surveyors, project managers and engineers working on the project will always have an extensive list of suitable building contractors that they, or their colleagues, have worked with in the past.

It's important that you find the right contractor capable of doing the work you require them to carry out. I'll discuss this topic in more detail in future articles.
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To find out more read my new book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' which also contains lots of valuable information to save you money and ensure that your home build or renovation project is a success. Click on the image below 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.

27 Comments
Ellie Davis link
30/10/2019 10:27:30 pm

It's interesting to know that you consider searching for a contractor on the web to help you with your project. My mother is thinking about remodeling her house, and we are looking for advice. I will let her know about your recommendations to help her find the best contractor for her project.

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SkillSoniq link
31/12/2020 04:40:40 am

Nice writeup, I have also written post on <a href="https://skillsoniq.com/blog/finding-contractors">Finding Contractors</a>

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concrete slab formwork link
10/3/2021 06:08:49 pm

From this article you will get to know about finding the contractors for your home building and the renovation project. I would suggest the people to go through this blog. I like how you have researched and presented these exact points so clearly. This is a brilliant post, thank you for sharing these great tips.

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kate hansen link
3/4/2021 06:13:42 am

It was helpful when you said to look at public advertisements. My husband and I are wanting to look into getting our apartment renovated in a couple of weeks, and we want to make sure that we can find the right contractor to help us. We'll make sure to keep these tips in mind as we search for a remodeling contractor to hire.

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General Contractor link
12/10/2021 09:32:21 pm

These were all great tips! Finding a reliable and professional contractor is never easy and it requires a thorough search for those that can work on your project and has the qualifications needed for the job. Keep on writing these amazing blogs.

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Catie Benett link
7/11/2021 11:38:50 am

Great content! Thanks for sharing these tips. I found these tips very helpful.

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Mia Evans link
28/12/2021 09:47:48 am

Thanks for pointing out that searching for residential general contractors on the web is one of the simple ways to find one. As you said, checking their website can give us useful information about them and their contact details. I will follow your advice now that I finally have the funds to start the construction of my dream home on the piece of land that I bought three years ago.

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Catie Benett link
21/1/2022 06:14:37 pm

Thanks for sharing a wonderful article with us. It’s a really informative article.

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Millie Hue link
11/2/2022 07:14:04 pm

It really helped when you said that checking their websites would be able to give us useful information regarding the company and their contact details. I will definitely do that when I look for residential construction services this summer. I just need their help with the renovation project of the second floor of our home to give my kids their own room now that they are getting older.

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Catie Benett link
26/3/2022 02:07:41 pm

Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines.

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Jeff Carbine
31/3/2022 08:19:21 pm

I appreciate that you explained that the ideal strategy is to approach contractors with whom you've had proven success on other construction projects. One of the most crucial aspects of refurbishment planning is determining your budget. The present office will be renovated and converted into a new one. Thank you for taking the time to write this essay. I now know where to seek local business refurbishment services and how to find them.

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Victoria Addington link
6/4/2022 03:31:11 pm

It was fascinating to know that construction contractors now use websites to present useful information about their services. My friend told me that he is planning to build a commercial place. I should advise him to hire a contractor with vast experience in commercial construction.

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Catie Benett link
8/4/2022 05:50:51 pm

Thank you a lot for taking the time for you to share such a good information. They're really helpful!

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John Carston link
11/5/2022 02:09:45 am

I like how you mentioned that you could gather more information by visiting the service provider's websites. Yesterday, my best friend told me that he and his business partner were hoping to find a general contractor that could provide affordable facilities but could be custom-designed, and he asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. Thanks to this enlightening article, I'll be sure to tell him that he can consult a well-known general contractor as they can provide more information about the process and planning.

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Eli Richardson link
4/6/2022 12:46:50 am

I have an aunt that wants to sell her house this year, but she wants to renovate it first to increase its selling price. It's great that you talked about checking a contractor's online presence and past projects when hiring one, and I'm sure my aunt would be glad to hear about this. Thanks for the insight on hiring a professional contractor for remodeling projects.

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Braden Bills link
4/10/2022 08:53:27 pm

I want to renovate my kitchen, but I don't know how to do that kind of thing on my own. It makes sense that I would want to work with a professional to handle this for me. They would be able to ensure that things are installed correctly.

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Daisy James link
2/12/2022 02:23:39 am

I loved how you said that you can learn more information about them when visiting their websites. My cousin was at my house last night for dinner, and she told me about how she and her husband want to start working on renovations for the older home they got a couple of weeks ago. I'll pass this information along to her so she can know how to find a good contractor for their house!

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Petter link
13/12/2022 02:11:18 pm

Fantastic site. Plenty of useful information here. I'm sending it to a few friends and also sharing in Facebook. And certainly, thanks for your sweat!

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Tex Hooper link
6/1/2023 06:13:50 am

I appreciate what you said about getting a project manager for your remodel. My wife and I have been thinking about remodeling our kitchen. We'll have to hire a contractor with good subcontractors.

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Jake Williams link
25/1/2023 02:02:04 pm

My father and I are looking for a contractor to remodel our outdoor kitchen, but we weren't sure how to find one until we came here. It's fantastic that you mentioned researching a possible contractor online to learn more about their qualifications and previous construction experience. Excellent advice. We'll check into it and find an appropriate general contractor. Thanks.

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wall crack repair link
27/1/2023 12:26:36 am

Finding the best construction company for a particular project may be a difficult job. It is essential to look up contractors in the region to make sure they are able to complete the kind of construction required as well as being located in the region where the construction work is being carried out. The contractor should be reliable, possess an established reputation and be capable of providing references for previous work completed.

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Steve Smith link
24/3/2023 06:23:36 pm

It helped when you said that researching could help you gather resourceful information about the best home-building approach. Yesterday, my best friend informed me he planned to have his own home because of the different places he would like customized. He asked if I had thoughts on the best option for creating his home layout from scratch. I'm thankful for this enlightening article. I'll tell him it will be much better if he consults a trusted home builder as they can help him figure out the best layout for his home.

Reply
House painters in west palm beach link
18/5/2023 10:09:40 am

Great blog post! Finding the right contractors for a home building or renovation project can be a daunting task, but this article provides valuable insights and tips to make the process easier. From researching reputable contractors to asking for recommendations and thoroughly vetting their credentials, it covers all the essential steps to ensure a successful project. The emphasis on clear communication, written contracts, and checking references is particularly helpful in avoiding any potential issues down the line. Whether you're a homeowner embarking on your first project or an experienced DIY enthusiast, this blog offers practical advice to help you find the perfect contractors for your home improvement needs. Highly recommended!

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Zachary Tomlinson link
29/8/2023 08:09:17 pm

Thanks for suggesting seeking a general contractor for your planned house improvement projects because they have connections to different sub-contractors. My uncle has always liked the idea of having a theater around his property. I will be sure to talk to him about hiring these experts for his plan.

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Wrens link
26/10/2023 04:41:20 pm

I've been considering a home renovation project, and your tips on finding the right contractors are invaluable. Recommendations from friends and checking references sound like great ways to ensure I'm making the right choice.

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Mike Howard link
18/2/2025 05:05:49 pm

Great insights on how to approach the challenging task of selecting the right building contractor. I really appreciate the emphasis on checking with contractors you've worked with before, but also ensuring that they have the right resources and focus for the project at hand. It's easy to get caught up in a web search, but it's clear that researching local associations, asking for referrals, and even visiting current job sites can provide a deeper understanding of the contractor's capabilities. Looking forward to reading your future articles on this subject, as it’s such a crucial step in ensuring a successful project

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Japheth Richards link
20/2/2025 05:01:13 pm

This is a fantastic post! It’s so true that finding the right contractor for a specific project can be more challenging than expected. As you mentioned, it’s not just about looking for someone in your area—it’s about finding someone who has the right resources and expertise to handle your unique project. I completely agree that checking with past contractors you’ve worked with is often the best way to go, but it’s always essential to ensure they still have the capacity and interest to take on your work.

I also love the advice about using local newspapers, forums, and even just talking to neighbors and acquaintances. It’s always good to get personal recommendations because they give you insight into the contractor's quality and reliability. And I definitely agree that associations like ‘Master Builders’ can offer some level of comfort, but it’s important to also do your own research.

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    Author

    I’m a construction professional, author of several successful construction management books, and a home owner. I’ve made mistakes in construction management, I’ve seen others make mistakes, but importantly I’ve had multiple successful construction projects and I’ve learned from the mistakes. I want to share these lessons and my knowledge with you.
    'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' are my latest books. packed with tips and information to ensure your home construction project is a success. Get your copy today from Amazon and other online stores.

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  • Construction Home
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    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
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