subject: Questions To Ask Before Hiring Civil Contractors [print this page] When you are planning to make your dream home, then you need to be careful while choose a contractor. You need to choose a contractor with expertise in the industry. And to hire a good contractor you need to ask few questions. Here are few questions to ask to judge which one is the best before making any decision
1. Price quote for your project
As every person first think about the budget for a particular project similarly you need to ask about project estimate. There are many civil contractors who provide quotes but keep you in dark for the rest things. Later on when they start working on project ask charges for each aspect of job. For example if you want to choose a tile for your bathroom, then there is no option. They will install whatever they have planed if you ask to go for tiles they will ask for more money and with single line quote you cant know about anything.
Its better to ask for an itemized quote for your project. Ask for each detail what they are going to install and what not. And dont forget to ask cost of every task including elements framing, demolition, electrical, plumbing, fixtures, tile, etc. It will help you to compare various contractors plan and their price quote.
2. Price quote is fixed of estimate
Remember whatever price quote you have is not fixed, it is estimate price it means they can ask you to pay more at the end. Before you go to take final decision ask them to give you a fixed quote about your project. Good service provider will give you fixed price quote while other will say it estimate. Forget those contractors and choose the fixed one.
3. Experience in the same industry
Choosing an experienced contractor is wise decision. If the contractor is in the same industry from last five to ten years then their contacts would be strong enough to provide all required materials easily. He must have suppliers and subcontractors to finish the project on time.
If possible choose local contract, so that you can easily meet them whenever you want to discuss anything. For example if you live in Delhi, then select builders in Delhi, not a builder from far location.
4. Ask about main suppliers
You may have talked to companys previous clients they are happy from their work. Now its time to do something extra, ask about their primary supplier. The better reference would be tile setter or tile shop. You can visit the shop and know about tiles quality. Also you can discuss these shop owners about the contractor about his reputation and work. You will get the clearer picture of the contractor you are considering to hire.
5. Ask about the job foreman and a project hes running
There are many contractors who pick the work first then visit the site once or twice in a week. Sometime contractors avoid to visit frequently and prefer to visit the site once in a month. In this condition job foreman the best person to contact. So its better to ask about job foreman and his work currently the person is handling. He will be available at the site everyday and keep an eye on every work.
