If you’ve got a construction project you’re interested in getting done, we’ve compiled a list of 5 secrets that will have your project done quickly and done right.
Secret #1 – Doing It Yourself Won’t Laborer Job Description Necessarily Save You Money
Wives seem to understand this one well, thought well-intentioned husbands have trouble with it. While it’s easy enough to tackle some weekend painting or a little landscaping project, when it comes to actual construction projects, attempts to do it yourself often turn into frustration, with incomplete projects and wasted money. Most professional contractors will have to charge extra just to undo what wasn’t done properly.
Secret #2 – Don’t Get Sucked in by Slick Company Salespeople
When dealing with construction companies, you’ll often meet with a salesperson. Keep in mind that they are making recommendations based on what makes them money, not always what’s best for you. They also don’t always understand what can be done, and talking to an acutual field person before signing up is a great idea. Also watch out for high pressure tactics, and walk when confronted with them.
Secret #3 – Don’t Take Experience or Better Business Bureau Reports as Gospel
Doing something for a long time doesn’t make you good at it. It would be like a golfer with a bad swing practicing daily for his swing is bad, he’ll only get more consistent at swinging badly. Swinging a hammer isn’t that different. Check out their references and see their work if possible to truly know if their work is good. Also beware of the Better Business Bureau, who has a poorly deserved reputation for holding businesses to task. The BBB sells memberships, and are not known for investigating complaints. Websites like do a better job of collecting user reported reviews, as do other sites (though some have potential for gaming the system with fake reviews, good or bad.). Question everything!
Secret #4 – The Lowest Bid Isn’t Necessarily the Best Option
While it’s easy to pick the cheapest bid, it isn’t always best. Here are a couple considerations when one bid is a lot lower:
Is this an apples to apples bid, or did they leave Arrys Roofing Reviews some items out that will pop up later as extras?
This is sometimes a move of desperation by a financially unstable construction company. If business is slow, and they’ll cut the price to keep working, great. If they have money problems, they could end up in your lap if you hire them.
Secret #5 – Payments Control the Project
As you enter into an agreement for your construction project, pay extra attention to the payment schedule. Here’s some things to look out for:
A company that wants money right away (before materials are delivered), or especially if they want more than a third up front, hints at financial problems.
Make sure that no payments are ever made without lien waivers. You need proof that their supply houses and subcontractors got paid too, otherwise you could have a lien against your house.
Make sure to hold back at least 10% to ensure any remaining work is finished, even after the bulk is done.