If you are used to running your own business and taking care of all the problems that arise on your own, it can be hard to give control to a contractor. When you need the services of a contractor, it’s frustrating to feel that you don’t know where the project is or how much time is needed. Worst of all, if you don’t know much about construction, you could be getting ripped off without knowing it!
This article breaks down the best ways to find and retain a good contractor for your business. If you find a good one, hold on – they will be able to help your business time and time again.
Word of Mouth
Before hiring a contractor, ask around. This is especially important if you are having big work done, like a remodel on a restaurant. Find other people who have needed similar services and ask them about their experience. Who was good? Who was really, really bad?
Finding out what (or who) you should avoid could save you a lot of headaches down the road. Is the equipment owned by the contractor reliable? For example, many of the Copperloy yard ramps are ANSI-compliant. A bad contractor could cost you thousands of dollars, while a good one will draw customers to your establishment.
Do Your Research
Although this is good advice for anyone who is having a remodel done, it’s especially important for those who operate public businesses. A bad job could result in worse than leaky pipes – if a customer or employee is hurt, it could mean a lawsuit, and tons of time and money wasted.
Look into the work you are having done and find out what constitutes a good job. If you are having a walk-in freezer installed in a restaurant, find out what you should be paying for energy. An energy-efficient freezer will save you money in the long run.
Similarly, a trustworthy contractor should tell you if work you are doing is unnecessary and inform you of better or easier ways to do it. If your contractor is just blindly doing as you request, they may be drawing out the construction to make more money.
Protect Yourself
Whenever anyone is doing work on your building, be sure that they are insured and bonded! The importance of this can’t be emphasized enough – if a contractor is not insured or bonded, do NOT hire them!
Contractor’s insurance will protect workers in case of an accident. Naturally, a trustworthy contractor will want to insure his employees against injury or death.
A bond will protect your business and you. If the work you have done isn’t satisfactory, a bond will give you the right to refuse to pay for the work. If a contractor isn’t bonded, you run the risk of them walking out on you and still sticking you with a bill.
The Business You Want
Remodeling can be stressful, but if you take all these steps and find the right person who is willing to work with you, the end result will be worth it. It’s great to work in a space that you have designed specifically to your tastes and needs, and your customers will see that, too.