Build.Refresh. Renovate.
0March 2020
Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 13
How to choose a building contractor By Janet Chambers, Executive Officer, HBA of Northern Michigan
A
s you think about remodeling projects or building a new home, you will want to do your homework before hiring your contractor. Here are a couple of tips to help you choose the best contractor for your project. Once you have an initial concept for your project, you will want to research contractors that focus on the type of work you want done. Ask any friends for referrals if they have worked with local contractors on projects or contact the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan for a list of contractors that specialize in the work you want to have done. The HBA of Northern Michigan has members in all of Northern Michigan, from Gaylord to the bridge. Find a list at HBANM. com.
The local building supply companies work closely with builders in our area and may also have some good recommendations. Most of these companies have project managers assigned to specific builders. Real estate agents can also be good referral sources since they work with builders on a regular basis in our market. Once you have a list of potential contractors, check out their websites for photos of projects they have completed, testimonials from customers, and other information on the company. Make sure the company is bonded, licensed, and insured. After you meet with a contractor and feel comfortable that the company might be a good fit for your project, it is important to get references from past clients and even visit a few of projects in person. Ask clients about the communication process used by the builder, what they liked
and did not like about working with the builder, and other questions. Once you select a contractor, make sure you have the entire project scope in writing, with timelines, pricing, what is included in the estimate, what is not included in the estimate, and allowances for purchases like kitchen cabinets, hardware or related materials. Make sure to take detailed notes of your meetings with the contractor, and once underway, make sure you have written change orders for any alterations to the original estimate. It’s a good idea to have clear and precise payment terms and it is recommended that you withhold part of the payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction For more information, the National Association of Home Builders’ website, nahb.com, has many great articles about how to hire a contractor.
By K9 Fencing of Michigan
HIDDEN FENCES INDOOR BOUNDARIES•TRAINING PRODUCTS
PATENTED DIGITAL FM SAFELINK®DESIGN 2 YEAR BATTERY LIFE • LIFETIME WARRANTY USER ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS “Simply the Best…No Getting Around It™”
FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE CALL
989-619-1117 CELL 231-497-8388 OFFICE
www.dogwatchbyk9fencing.com
JOHNSTON ENGINEERING, LLC STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results Roger Briggs c: 231.838.1151 o: 231.347.6200
RBriggs@REOPetoskey.com
Gail Greenwell c: 231.758.2236 o: 231.347.6200
IsellPetoskey@hotmail.com
Real Estate One | 1349 US 31. S. #B, Petoskey, MI 49770
For all of your residential and commercial projects
Ryan J. Johnston, P.E. Harbor Springs, Michigan www.johnstonengineeringllc.com • 231-242-0609