Supercontractors are plentiful and easy to find when you approach the due diligence process with purpose and foresight. The biggest ad in the phone book (print or digital), a great website, a beautiful smile, or the cheapest price tell you not a thing. Builders, remodelers, and commercial contractors will work on your most valuable asset and prized possession: your home. More importantly, they will become your most trusted and expert advisor in your area of ​​expertise. So how do you find the absolute best craftsmen, the most reliable business, and the all-around SUPER contractor?

Start at the beginning: a very good place to start

Professional trade organizations, such as your local Home Builders Association (HBA), are the best places to start your search. The criteria for membership in these associations are strict; therefore, only the most professional and ethical companies become members. Furthermore, education and continuous improvement are in the blood of the members. They know the latest building materials and gadgets on the market, they understand permits and inspections, and they know the difference between a contract, a change order, and a to-do list (and why each legally protects both during the course of the course). of your project while maintaining communication). open lines).

There are many additional professional trade associations for specialty contractors that can also be used to help you in your search. Although the best diggers, plumbers, roofers, landscapers, etc. Be sure to join your local HBA, they are often also members of your specialist trade association to gain insights specific to your trade.

A quick web search of the area you are researching followed by the words “trade association” is a great place to start. Therefore, when searching for a kitchen designer, a web search for “kitchen trade association” will reveal the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Likewise, a search for “Electricians Trade Association” will take you to Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).

Is bigger better or smaller beats?

Contractors don’t become the best in the business because they have lots of employees, advertise all the time, or “have done 10 projects in your neighborhood.” By contrast, smaller businesses are not quicker to respond and more focused on your needs because they have fewer customers to serve. Good big companies and good small companies have their pros and cons. You likely have a natural disposition toward one over the other. The best business comes in all sizes, as do the best contractors. Look for those who herald continuous improvement through education, training, and networking.

Let your credentials, experience and knowledge be your guide, not the size of your company. Gravitate toward those contractors who are experts certified by outside trade associations or agencies. Give more serious consideration to those contractors who regularly attend trade shows and conventions in your industry. Education is paramount. Would you want a teacher to teach your children if she had never been to school? Or what about an accountant with no accounting degree and the letters CPA (Certified Public Accountant) after her name advising her on her finances? Contractors also have certifications, designations, and education.

Does this mean that you should only consider those with letters after their names and education under their belt? Absolutely not! Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg ran/run incredibly successful businesses without completing their education. They, however, are the exception, not the norm. Give weight to education in your decision-making process.

How do you interview candidates?

Treat your research seriously and prepare for the process. After creating a list of potential contractor candidates, take time to organize your thoughts and prepare your questions. prior to meeting with the first contractor candidate. At each interview, watch how each candidate reacts and responds. Don’t be afraid to take notes.

Some suggestions to get you thinking:

• When you talk about what you would like to do, does the contractor show enthusiasm for your ideas and suggest ways to make them work better?
• Is customer service emphasized?
• Will they work within your budget constraints? Will they be honest when their budget is much less than the project will require?
• Do they seem organized when you talk about work with them?
• Are your business materials neat, professional, and comprehensive (business cards, flyers, website, etc.)?
• Do they have insurance to protect you from claims arising from property damage or workplace injuries (get a copy of your insurance certificate, don’t just ask the question)?
• Do you offer guarantee?
• Will they take care of the building permit?
• Do they specialize in particular types of projects?

How to decide?

Your budget for the project is probably too small. It is rare for home and business owners to exceed the budget of their construction or remodeling plans. In fact, is it common to find that the investment you to think the cost of the project is as much as half of the actual cost. If you really have no idea of ​​the cost of the project, maybe you are planning to “get three quotes and choose the lowest”.

If you can’t afford to do it right, how can you afford to do it again?

Your judgment is probably sound, use it. The temptation to choose the lowest offer is strong. But often the lowest bidder is the one who made the biggest mistake in bidding on your project. That raises two questions: (1) where are they going to invent it? and (2) what other mistakes will they make on their project?

DO NOT CHOOSE A LOW OFFER simply because it is the lowest price! Choose your contractor based on their business experience, customer service, skills, and how they communicate with you during the bidding process; not because they have the lowest price.

Hiring is not a product. Hiring a contractor is buying a service and experience. The customer service the contractor provides during the interview and bidding process, or lack thereof, is likely the same customer service you will provide throughout the job if you hire their company. So choose a contractor who communicates clearly, treats his work like it’s his masterpiece, and runs your business solidly.

This is not a decision that should be based solely on who you “like” the most or who was the “niceest” or had the “best personality.” However, you will be working with the contractor and his team for an extended period of time; then like you emotionally feel about them should have some weight in your decision-making process. Use your emotions, use your intuition… just make sure your research and intellect have a greater influence on your final decision.

If you spend as much or more time selecting a contractor as you did selecting and planning your last vacation or choosing whether and where you or your children should go to college, you will ultimately make a good decision. Plan for it. Give it time. Discuss it with your loved ones. So trust yourself that you made the right decision. Also, trust your contractor and their expert advice.