Choosing a Builder for Home Improvement Projects

Building contractors represent a section of the home improvement workforce that includes renovations, remodels, additions, and new construction. They can be subcontractors, independent contractors, or lead contractors. If you're building a home, for example, you're likely to hire a lead contractor who will organize a team of electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, roofing contractors, and whatever else requires special expertise.

In today's home improvement industry, builders are becoming almost exclusively home builders, as comprehensive remodeling companies or design/build firms have taken a large piece of the remodeling and home addition pie. Yet, whether you call your home improvement professional a builder, contractor, firm, company, or some other classification, there are some universals to look for when choosing the professional who will transform your home.

Four Keys to Choosing a Builder

• Understand Relationships: Lead Contractors and Subcontractors
  Building contractors are the supervisors for your home construction project. Typically, you will deal primarily or solely with them. You may be suspicious about subcontractors working on your home with whom you're unfamiliar. This is a natural reaction, but it's often a bigger headache trying to organize all the work and subcontractors yourself.

  You may also be concerned that your building contractor is over-charging you for the work of the subcontractors. It's true that often a building contractor will add a surcharge to his or her estimate, above what the subcontractor gets paid. This is not you getting cheated, though. Lead building contractors are liable for all the work that occurs. He or she may also have to pay insurance premiums, worker's comp insurance, and other various fees. These fees are designed to protect you and the contractor should something go wrong.

• The Importance of the Contract
  Choosing a builder is important, but the terms of the contract is, arguably just as important. A clearly stated written contract is an absolute must. This allows you to hold the building contractor accountable for the agreed upon contract. This contract should include a detailed summary of the work to be done, a description of the materials to be used, timelines and deadlines for completion of the work, and a payment schedule for the project. Once you've found a reputable contractor, issues can still arise without effective communication. Problems occur more often from miscommunication than any duplicity or inferior craftsmanship.

• The Screening Process
  ServiceMagic prescreens all our contractors, including background checks and qualifications before we ever let them enter our system. Before you hire them, you should conduct your own screening process. Ask to see their builder contractor license. Producing this document for a homeowner is a sign of professionalism on the part of the contractor. Dealing with a building contractor, you should be courteous but also thorough. This will help put you at ease and, hopefully, your contractor as well. Responsible, licensed contractors probably have a disdain equal to your own for shady, unlicensed contractors who attempt to con homeowners. Take the time to look for someone who's professional and friendly, then let that contractor know you appreciate their manner.

• Build a Relationship with Your Building Contractor
  Choosing a builder is about the project at-hand, but sometimes it can translate into a long-term asset for your home. Doing your homework and finding a builder you like can streamline future home improvement projects. Your building contractor will know every single nook and cranny of your home. Even for projects your contractor doesn't take on his or herself, the contractor will be able to recommend quality contractors for smaller projects. You might consider asking your contractor to keep a record of the work done on file indefinitely, in case you have a question about your home's construction at some future date. Everything about home improvement becomes easier once you've found someone you can trust and who knows your home better than you do.