If you're considering building an addition to an existing structure such as your home, you're probably in the market for a General Contractor. It's good to get this type of help because of course they know how to keep construction on your home safe, and how to get the desired results. But of course you want to be careful that the General Contractor you choose will do a great job for a great price.
To really make sure that potential General Contractors you're interviewing are experienced and right for your addition to an existing structure, especially your home, consider a few quick but vital tips:
- References are key for any Addition Contractor and they should have a great reputation with past clients. Be sure you verify the quality of their previous work!
- Any and all General Contractors with whom you work should be licensed by your state. This means they've passed certain exams and have paid licensing fees, making them "legitimate" contractors.
- Be sure you understand the licenses required of General Contractors; you can contact the Department of Labor in your state and inquire. A potential General Contractor should be happy to show you copies of their licenses or certifications.
- Everything should be in writing when it comes to the job, and you should not hesitate to ask an attorney to look at your paperwork if you're unsure of anything in it. You should also always feel free to ask questions about your contract and be sure you understand those answers!
- You should never pay a General Contractor ahead of time for their work. A common scam that consumers fall for is someone posing as a General Contractor that takes a deposit cash payment and then disappears. While some jobs get paid for certain benchmarks as they go along, paying up front should be avoided.
You and your General Contractor can also work on benchmarks for completion of the addition to an existing structure so that you can monitor the progress. In this way you know the work is moving along as it should and that the end result is something you'll be very happy with!
