You're planning a major renovation. How can you find the right contractor for the job?

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the project, creating a photographic report is crucial for the contractor. This report should feature a well-organised table with clear and high-quality wide-angle and detailed photos, accompanied by clear annotations. The report serves as a benchmark during pre-selection site visits, enabling the contractor to discuss and clarify any uncertainties with the architect. This approach ensures effective communication from the project's inception and allows for an assessment of how the contractor responds to the scope of work.

Everything starts with a vision or a goal in mind. Either you have a clear goal you want to achieve by doing the renovation or you have a dream vision for your life after renovation. Whether you are a couple or a family everyones opinions and dreams count. The first step that everyone should consider is to sit with their partner or Family or it could be yourself (its absolutely possible). Create a vision board for what you like or pen down your most important criteria. I have worked with Families who have words but no particular image. In this case, I would advise if you have a Budget (which is anywhere between 2 to 10 percent of your renovation cost) hire a Designer/Architect to help you get a clear idea from start.

I love all the in depth descriptions but a clear definition of the clients requirements vs the budget available is as basic as it gets. Any contractor wants to know this early doors following a site visit to see any potential constraints or issues

All major renovations should be done in consultation with a qualified architect/ interior design consultant. The brief for the designers should be prepared in detail based on the users needs, lifestyle, aspirations, future expansion, budget etc. Based on the final design an appropriate contractor should be chosen who has the required expertise for the specific type of project, sufficient built projects, references, financial capability, project supervision team, project management knowhow, reliable sources for materials and proper communication skills. All big value products must be purchased by clients directly and a proper contract with scope of work, timelines and cost must be drawn and agreed upon before start of works.

Know the scope of the project, have an understanding of the contractors that bided and go through selective process of choosing a contractor.

You not only need to research the prime contractor but also who their subcontractors will/might be. In most cases the prime contractor will check out fine but the subcontractors will be an issue. They are usually smaller companies that are hard to get references for. Depending on the work of your project, a subcontractor may make or break a job. You must do your due diligence.

1. It’s important to consider what projects a contractor specializes in, if any. Be sure to ask the contractor about prior experience. A reputable contractor should be able to give you photos and references from past projects. 2. Take note of their communication style. In other words: pay attention to how they communicate with you. 3. If the contractor is in high demand, then you’ll likely have to pay more for their services. In addition, you may have to wait for the contractor to complete other projects. 4. To avoid being ripped off, scammed, or sued, it is absolutely crucial that you check to make sure a contractor is licensed and insured. Those characteristics are a good sign for a contractor to take for the job.

Research on for big ticket items and VE options Known the labor and equipment cost known the contractors with good quality workers and better quality control system compare apple to apple

Instead of simply asking for an already concocted list of references, look through the builders website for similar projects to your own, and consider asking them to provide references to specific projects that appeal to you. That makes it specific and objective.

Once we have scope and time parameters ready, we can do the market research of the contractor and their experience, expertise on similar type of projects. Only success story doesn't work but in high risk scenarios, how contractor managed project stakeholders also provides you the input to shortlist the contractor for your project.

Following an evaluation criteria is essential. However, during the procurement process and the interviews it is very important to monitor How did they act? Did they provide accurate and well presented company details? Did they respect the time and meeting agenda? Was the team ready for the presentation and answering your questions?

Un buen contratista es un buen asesor, que da con claridad todos los aspectos de lo que va a realizar, probablemente no esté de acuerdo en todo lo que el cliente quiere pero eso es un punto a favor para como experto, poder transmitir bajo la experiencia los pros y contras de alguna opinión o mandato del cliente.

Large projects have a tendering process which includes - tendering criteria - scale of completed projects needed - Risks and insurances - Deposit amount Smaller projects can be awarded based on - Comparing Detailed quotation by contractors - In person discussion -Referal - Pro tip - Visiting one of contractors finished project for quality check

Algunas veces encontramos profesionales que se ajustan a nuestro presupuesto pero que implican un detrimento en los plazos, es muy recomendable tener en cuenta los plazos para no encontrar después cuellos de botella innecesarios y que terminarán por aumentar los costos asociados teniendo que modificar el cronograma previsto.

Contact at least three contractors who seem suitable for your project. Arrange for interviews to discuss your project, ask questions about their experience, previous projects, and working style

You should engage the architectural firm design the renovation to be involved in the bidding and negotiating phase. The firm can help you select qualified contractors, prepare bid invitations, lead a walkthrough of the project with the bidders and assist you in reviewing all bids and awarding the contract.

Negotiate terms: Discuss the scope, timeline, payment schedule, and potential change orders. Be fair but firm. Sign a detailed contract: Ensure it outlines all agreed-upon terms, including project details, budget, timeline, warranties, and dispute resolution procedures.

At this stage I believe you need more time even more experience and contacts to decrease the headache in future , as choosing trusted, qualified and reliable sources will be the most effective method

Understand your states rights of recission. You may be able to sign and then revoke within a certain timeframe if need be. This should take the pressure off at sign time.

The selection process depends on the investment amount. Generally, these three requirements are requested: - Similar works with references. - Demonstrable experience in the field. - A detailed and auditable budget. With these three criteria, I believe it's possible to select the ideal contractor.

Having a contractor is like having a partner but in a short period. And having a partner, we need to build trust and respect. That's how communication started. Although we are the owner, we need to have respect and ethics code to communicate. Contractors are not our helpers, they are our partners. And on the other hand, the same thing with the contractors, they need to be responsible, transparent and responsive because what they build is what their name and image will show. So in this case, communication and coordination are top priorities!

Une relation ouverte, honnête et claire est importante non seulement avec les entrepreneurs mais avec tout le monde, client inclus. L'architecte doit faire un effort de pédagogie pour que les entreprises adhérent au projet et pour que le client comprenne les difficultés et les limites. Quand tout le monde adhère au projet, à la vision, aux limites (techniques et financieres), la confiance s'installe naturellement car non seulement tout le monde peut s'exprimer mais tout le monde écoute. Si on adhère on est plus à même de s'intéresser à ce que les collaborateurs expriment. C'est donc à l'architecte de transmettre l'enthousiasme, la confiance, d'être un bon chef d'orchestre. Pour cela il faut quand même que le client nous passe la baguette!

If an owner or developer is unable to supervise a project construction, it is better to appoint a PMC(Project management consultant) who will monitor construction on behalf of the client. It is important to monitor: - Quality of materials - Timely progress - Following correct procedure on site - safety of assets and employees -certificatiin for payment

Monitoring the site with daily labour reports, material procurement, cash flow and work completed is crucial for the success of the project. Any changes in design need to be recorded along with time and cost impact on the execution of the project.

Most projects are more likely to get derailed due to a lack of communication between the owner and contractor(s). If a general contractor is hiring new sub-contractors for this particular job then establishing a clear work scope and expectation for each sub is necessary and helpful to eliminate mistakes in the install, function preferences or design elements. Speak regularly with your general contractor each week and when new subs are entering the work site to ensure all necessary members are in sync with one another and can deliver the appropriate result.

Know your rights and responsibilities as a project owner. Typically the authority having jurisdiction or the licensing entity in the region can provide resources for owners to understand what is expected of them and what is expected of the contractor. This will help in having informed conversations and setting expectations with a Contractor before bringing them on board.

The most important aspect of undertaking a renovation is an understanding of the local context and conditions( skill,materials,skilled and unskilled labour etc.): 1. How do local contractors work? When are the festivities or celebrations where they will not be available.. 2. What are the materials available and in what quantities? Do the available materials match your expectations? If not how can you source them and what does this cost in terms of travel cost and time. 3. What are local climatic conditions: For example if the renovation demands roof/rain or wall repair rainy seasons need to be avoided. 4. Be patient and most importantly be flexible to the emergent conditions and contingencies.

At times, the right contractors for other projects do not necessarily guarantee they will be the right ones for your job. It is imperative to assess firm’s track record, the proposed team’s CV and their understanding of your scope and challenges. If the above scores well and clicks with your budget, that will be a good start.

Ask potential contractors for portfolios of their previous work. This will give you an idea of their style, craftsmanship, and the types of projects they have experience with. Interview at least three contractors to compare their approaches, communication styles, and estimates. This will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. If possible, visit a current project the contractor is working on. This can give you a firsthand look at their workmanship and organization. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or if you have reservations about a contractor, it's okay to continue your search. Understand the Payment Schedule. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations.

Get the contractor involved early into the process by adopting the ECI model and select them based on their work experience and commitment. Major renovations will bring at times latent conditions, which can be picked up during design. Having the builder advising on the budget and construction methods will streamline the costing process and will incentivise the contractor to deliver a cost effective outcome.