Thursday, September 26, 2013

How To Choose A Reliable Atlanta General Contractor

By Marla Mills


People love to engage in home improvement projects. However, some jobs are too involving and have to be subbed out. Unfortunately, it is not easy to get an honest, reliable, toolbox-wielding knucklehead. Therefore, you need to be carefully when hiring any Atlanta general contractor because you may end up with an inexperienced individual working on your project. Below are some guidelines that may be useful.

It is important to evaluate the job so that you understand what is at stake. Most people just look for someone who can do the job without understanding the requirements involved. If you just need some small repairs dealt with, then you may just call in a handy person. You only need general contractors for jobs such as major mechanical, electrical, renovations or plumbing that require permits.

Ask for referrals. Once you have decided what you need, you can visit the nearest lumberyard or the local home improvement store and ask them about providers they have seen buying quality products. If you are referred to an individual that few people have heard of in the neighborhood, then you should be very careful.

The local home inspector could also be very useful. Once they inspect a home, they normally refer a preferred general contractor to the homeowner to do the necessary repairs. Therefore, they know who can help you best. Moreover, their opinion is professional. Instead of using the local phone directory, which will give you all listed businesses, you can simply use their references.

Make a phone call to the preferred companies. Have a set of questions to ask and to help you narrow the list by eliminating those who fall short of your requirements. It is important to know the nature of jabs they normally engage in and if they meet the same complexity as yours. This will help you know if they have the required tools and personnel for the job.

Enquire about the license. Ensure that they have a valid license that will enable them to obtain the permit necessary for the job. They should also carry the necessary insurance to protect your property and workers, if they have any. Check the address provided to establish that they have a physical office.

Meet with the contractor personally. If you have interviewed someone over the phone and you feel that they can take on the job, have them come to your home. This should help them evaluate the job and return to you with a detailed quotation. At this time, you can also use the moment to ask them more questions, especially regarding their experience.

Get at least three bids. This will ensure that you get a very competitive deal. Compare the rates and the materials the technician uses so that you can choose the best one. Your decision should be guided more by quality rather than by price.

Do not rely too much on price when choosing an Atlanta general contractor. You could get a low-priced offer because the company is desperate due to lack of jobs or they use poor quality materials. Therefore, choose one that you are comfortable with, but is also affordable. You can further check their backgrounds with the BBB.




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