Questions to Ask a Contractor You’re Considering to Hire for Your Design and Build Project
How much are your services?
In most cases, that’s the first question that project owners ask a contractor that they’re considering hiring for their design and build project. That’s understandable, considering that most people have a budget in mind. It is an important consideration. The problem lies if it becomes the only consideration.
Yes, a lot of people consider the contractor’s rate only when they make a decision to hire them. They hire the cheapest contractor that they can find, only to experience expensive headaches later on that could have been avoided if only they did their proper homework.
Asking the right questions is a major part of the homework that you need to do so you can find the best contractor for your design and build project. Read on to know the right questions to ask a contractor that you’re considering to hire for your design and build project.
Are You a Licensed Architect?
This is the first question that you should ask. In the Philippines, a contractor doesn’t necessarily mean a licensed architect. An architecture license is a must for a design and build project.
Architect Mariethel Villanueva Garing
Managing Director/Principal Architect
Architects spent (and continue to spend) years and a lot of money to train and educate themselves on how to put your ideas for your dream project on paper. With a good design, it will be easier to build your dream project.
In addition, you can protect yourself from scammers and fraudsters. An architecture license creates a paper trail so a licensed architect will most likely not scam or de-fraud their clients because they know that their actions can be easily tracked to them.
Are You Duly Registered as a Business to Provide Contractor Services?
This will also serve as your protection. Fly-by-night companies won’t bother getting registered. If they’re registered, you can do your homework and check the legitimacy of their business. You can confirm how long they’ve been in business and if they’re a business in good standing.
Are You a Member of Good Standing of a Reputable Organization?
Courtesy call of the United Architects of the Philippines Lipa Chapter with Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili.
Professionals take time to be a part of a reputable organization related to their industry. This helps them become better because these organizations have certain guidelines and principles that aim to improve their industry as a whole. In this case, membership of good standing to the United Architects of the Philippines is a good start.
Who will Supervise my Project?
Hire a contractor who will be hands-on with the project. Sure, an experienced contractor will also tap qualified members of their team to help them supervise. But still, you have to know who will be primarily responsible for the supervision.
How Experienced are You?
It’s not enough that you ask how long they’ve been in business. You also have to know how long they’ve been working on projects like yours. Let’s say that you have a restaurant project. How experienced are they in designing in building restaurants?
What’s the Project Timeline?
The reality is there can be delays. Even the best and most experienced contractors cannot promise project completion at the set deadline. This is because there can be changes and unexpected occurrences. But still, you have to know what their timeline is so expectations will be set.
How Much will it Cost?
Obviously, you have to meet the contractor in person. This is so you can discuss the specifics so that a more specific quote will be given to you.
You can get a good idea as to how much your project will cost by downloading our FREE Probable Cost Construction Computation guide. Get it for free by signing up to our newsletter below.
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For sure, you have a lot of questions on your mind. Contact us today so we can answer them!