7 Top Tips for Selecting the Right General Contractor

1. 7 Top Tips for Selecting the Right General Contractor

2. There are a multitude of general contractors out there, all vying for your custom, and all claiming to be professional, qualified, licensed and fully insured. But how can you be sure that you’ve chosen the right one for your building project? Here are 9 top tips to help you select the right general contractor: 1.Check their reputation It can be helpful to know how long a contractor has been in business for, as if they’ve established a good reputation for themselves over a period of years, they may be a more reliable choice than a newer company. You can always check the local Better Business Bureau for any outstanding or unresolved complaints made against them.

3. Ask if they’re licensed Contact your local building department and/or consumer protection agency to find out if your chosen general contractor is licensed to work in your state. Before you sign any paperwork or give the go ahead for work to commence, ask to check their license. • Are they experienced? Ask your chosen general contractor for a list of any projects similar to yours that they’re completed recently, which can give you a better indication of the standard of their work.

4. Check that they will obtain any relevant permits If a construction project requires a building permit, you’ll want to know that your general contractor will obtain them for you, before work begins. If work goes ahead without the relevant permit, you could face a hefty fine. • Find out who will be in charge and who the crew are It’s very important to have a clear understanding of who is in charge of the overall project, and who will be under their supervision. You’ll want to be reassured that your home and its occupants will be safe when the crew are working there, and you should discuss what parts of the home they will have access to, and whether they require a key at any stage of the project.

5. Check that they’re fully insured Professional contractors with a good reputation should always carry a certain amount of insurance coverage, and this typically includes personal liability, property damage and workers compensation. Ask for copies of all relevant insurance documents before work begins, to prevent you from being held liable for any injuries and/or damages that might occur during the project, and if they can’t provide you with the paperwork you need, work should not go ahead.

6. Do they have references? These can be extremely useful in helping you decide if a contractor is qualified and able to carry out the work effectively, and if they can’t provide you with any, be very wary! Once you’ve selected a general contractor for your construction project that you’re satisfied checks out, make sure all proposed work is documented, with an agreement that is signed by both parties and notarized.

7. RZ Construction Group Inc is a fully inclusive general contractor in Astoria NY. From initial design to final clean up, our results speak for themselves. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to provide both commercial and residential construction services to customers in Astoria and the surrounding area. Proud to serve New York State for 25 years. No job is too small nor too big. If you are looking for general contractors in Queens NY or want to know more about our wide range of professional but affordable construction and repair services, reach out to us at (718) 938-9887.