Construction projects can come in various forms and sizes ranging from simple indoor renovation to multi-storey structure. The success of your project totally depends on the quality of contractor you picked to coordinate the subcontract jobs for you. Picking a wrong contractor can make carrying out the project very tedious and frustrating, coupled with fact that you might lose a lot of money in the process. This is why is very important to choose the right professional to carry out your project.
The below listed steps can be your everyday guide to successfully choosing a contractor for your project.
1. Put down the job you want to carry out.
The first thing to do is to write down exactly what you want to carry out. Be very clear and specific about what you want the contractor to do, what you want to see and what you don’t want or like. Talk to friends and family members who have embarked on such projects for recommendations.
2. Draw up a list of contractors and make contact.
Once you have clearly put down what the job you want to embark on is, draw up a list of contractors and give them a call. Many Construction firms and Handyman workshops have a Facebook page, LinkedIn page or a Website, so you don’t have to drive around town searching for contractors. You can also check your neighbourhood for nicely done jobs and ask for the contractor’s contact, but make sure the firm is registered with at least an office address.
On calling the contractors, always ask for references or previously done jobs (you can gamble with new start up with no previous jobs as some of them are good but just new). A good contractor should be able to give you at least 3 to 4 previous jobs. You can call the clients of those jobs and verify how good and easy going the contractor is.
3. Consider experience but prioritize standard and quality.
In as much as experience is important, the standard at which the contractor operates on is very important. In Nigeria, most contractors don’t follow what the architect produced or the structural drawing in paper, the make comments like “I work with experience”. This practise is wrong and can lead to serious setbacks and in some cases, collapse.
So, when choosing a contractor, ask around for contractors with good working standards and construction procedure.
4. Request for multiple submission of bids
Now you have a list of qualified contractors. The next the thing is to request their bids for your intended project. Always bear in mind that the contractor with the lowest bid is not necessarily the best. If a contractors bid is significantly lower, ask them why. In some cases, the contractor with the lowest bid will change his estimate in the middle of the project and that will result to the capital cost jumping your budget.
Note: Do not take an estimate from just on contractor. The reason being that you will not get the best price for the job neither will you get the best contractor for the project.
5. Always ask for a written contract
By now you have selected a contractor for the project. Demand for a written contract for the project from the contractor. The contract must have in details all you discussed and agreed with the contractor. It must also have an estimate and a schedule of work for you to know the set period for completing the project. This contract should be signed by both you and the contractor.
6. Conclusion
Taking up a construction project is no child’s play. It takes up time, effort and a lot of money. For you to get the best result for your project make sure you engage the services of a registered and experienced contractor who work with standards.
Follow the steps listed above to get the best contractor for your project or you can just call us on 07067455010 or visit us at 156 Owerri road, Uru Umudim Nnewi, Anambra State to undertake your project for the best price and quality without any hassle.
