Finding the right garage contractor for the construction of your new garage can feel overwhelming. What qualifications and skills do you look for in a contractor? How do you prepare for the project? Who can you trust?
Your search for the right contractor can create a lot of questions, but the process is easy once you’ve discovered the perfect person for the job.
Here are some tips on finding the contractor to build or work on your garage.
Make sure you research any potential garage contractors. You can do this by getting recommendations from family and friends and reading company reviews online. Acquaintances can share firsthand experiences and often offer recommendations of reputable, qualified builders.
Narrow candidates down to two or three contractors. Ask them to provide written bids for your projects. Keep in mind that the lowest bid isn’t the best; that contractor could be leaving out costs including labor and materials.
When you do find a suitable candidate, ensure that their skill set matches your requirements for your garage. Have they successfully built garages similar in style and size to your expectations? If so, they are qualified to work on your project.
Your contractor should be licensed and insured, and you have every right to request to look at their contractor’s license and certificates of insurance. The same goes for subcontractors. Why is this important? Because in the unfortunate event of an accident or construction issues, you don’t want to be held liable. Most states require contractors to have insurance for workers’ compensation, property damage and personal liability.
To cover your tracks, make sure you get everything in writing. Verbal estimates or contract changes mean nothing and could lead to complications for you if you’re not careful. Ensure that the construction timeline is in writing, too, so that the contractor’s team is held accountable for a timely finish.
Establish a reasonable payment plan with your contractor and stick with it. Final payments should only be paid after the project’s completion and once you’re happy with the work.
The more involved you are in the process, the better you’ll understand what’s going on. Know what you want in terms of plans and building materials so that you won’t feel confused or left out later on.
The right garage contractor will be an ally, so it’s important that you feel comfortable discussing your needs, concerns and expectations with your builder.
Ready to find a garage contractor you can trust? At A-Shed USA, our knowledgeable and efficient contractors build quality custom garages in any size.
Call our office to speak with a project manager, who can meet you on site, discuss fees, explain city ordinances and more.