Custom Builder

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Be sure that the Contractor carries adequate insurance and is properly licensed. Be sure to get a written contract that clearly specifies the exact scope of work to be completed as well as what items are excluded. Also contact the local building department prior to completing any work as they can be a very useful resource. Furthermore, always ask for references and actually check the references. Ask the references if they were satisfied; if they would use the contractor again or refer them; how long did the project take; was that within the allotted contract time; how was the quality; how did the contractor handle the punchlist/warranty items (if any); did the contractor pay all subcontractors/material suppliers and was it done on time. Also ask questions about worker appearances (if that matters); work vehicles; overall professionalism; etc. If at all possible, visit other projects that they are currently working on or have recently completed to check the quality of work. Finally, contact the state licensing board and see if there are any complaints relating to the contractor and to verify the license is current.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. From a customer standpoint, knowing what a project entails is extremely helpful. Most contractors or the representative that they send to meet with you and negotiate a contract is basically a salesman. We almost always offer upgrades, but the base contract is based on exactly what work needs to be done - nothing more and nothing less. As a responsible contractor we attempt to educate the consumer during our interaction with them so they understand what the project entails and to put them at ease from the unknown. We also offer new technologies that they may not be aware of which can improve on what they want to accomplish as well as potentially save them money in the long run.
Usually the low bid is not necessarily the best bid. There is a saying in the industry that paraphrased is "the contractor with the lowest bid is the one who missed the most!" Be extremely careful when reviewing the scope of work with the price! I have heard of numerous accounts where a client has chosen a contractor based on a low price only to find out later that some of the work was not included and then they end up paying extra for work they thought was originally included. This almost always causes the low bid to be ultimately higher than the 2nd or 3rd bid which did actually include all of the work.
Finally, DO NOT EVER pull a permit for a contractor or for anyone to do work for you.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. 1. Please provide a copy of your license(s), insurance, and references.
2. What is the exact scope of work? What is specifically excluded?
3. Is the contract a written document with the scope of work, payment terms and contract schedule/time clearly defined?
4. How are changes to the work handled?
5. What are the terms of the warranty offered and what exactly does it cover?
6. How long will this project take?
7. What is the best way to do this project? Are there any alternative methods that may be cheaper/better/etc.?
8. Other than payments per the contract, am I (the Owner) responsible for anything else? Utility connections fees, impact fees, surveys, insurance, design/engineering fees, etc.?
9. Will the project be kept in a neat and safe manner on a daily basis?
10. Who is responsible for utilities (electric, water, waste disposal, etc.) during the construction process?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. An idea of what they are looking for including what type of finishes they want. A complete set of plans is not necessary as we can and prefer to work on design/build projects.The internet can be an invaluable resource to look at floor plans, kitchen and bathroom layouts, finishes and fixtures, etc.
Also they should have cash or financing available. Even if you are at a conceptual stage, you can speak with your bank and find out if you qualify for financing and how much.