Building your dream home requires time, effort and money. It can be a real challenge when trying to determine whether your chosen general contractor is reliable and reputable.

Read on to learn how to properly vet a new general contractor before signing any building contract.

1. Check References & Look into Their Business Community Reputation

One of the most important steps in vetting a general building contractor is to check the company’s references and investigate their local business community reputation. Avoid any contractor not willing to show you these documents for inspection of authenticity. That is considered a huge red flag.

Take the time to ask other community business leaders about your being considered contractor. Also, it is helpful to check with the BBB in your area to discover if any complaints have been filed. Try to contact customers who have given the company references. These are often available on a contractor’s website.

Ensure that your general contractor has the necessary training, background and experience before signing any contract with the company. Inquire about any subcontractors or other employees regarding their training and skill level. The contractor should also be able to show prospective customers up-to-date security and other certification documents and certificates.

2. Perform a Background Check to Determine Whether They Are Honest & Legitimate

Another crucial step in vetting a contractor is to perform a background check that will determine whether this contractor is legitimate and honest. Pay attention to how long the contractor has been in business. Many fly-by-night contractors move around from one location to another hoping to avoid intense scrutiny of their business tactics.

One of the best ways to confirm that your being considered general contractor is likely a good candidate is to inquire about the company’s communication record and business-related transactions and building processes with each previous customer in person if possible.

A few things to investigate are the contractor’s history with completing jobs within their stated timetable. It is not a good idea simply to choose the contractor that offers the lowest prices, as these contractors often run into difficulties later and may try to use inferior building materials or fabricate delay reasons just to string the customer along. It doesn’t hurt to check into your contractor’s financial states as well for added insurance.

3. Ensure Contractor Is Licensed, Bonded & Insured Via Documentation Proof

Any general building contractor should have the necessary licenses and should also be bonded and insured. Ask to view these documents to help vet whether this contractor is likely to be on the level. Failure to show proof of this documentation should be an immediate red flag.

4. Ask if Other Employees Are Properly Vetted & Inquire Who Will Be in Your Home

It is also wise to request documentation on how this contractor vets their employees that can include subcontractors that they may use. After all, these employees will be on your property and inside your new or being remodeled private home.

Every general contractor that relies on subcontractors or other employees not related to the business owner should have a longstanding reputation for thoroughly looking into the background of anyone that will be used at the building site or inside a customer’s home.

These background checks should include a criminal background check, thorough documentation with regards to an employee’s past jobs and training that they say they have. Your contractor should also be willing to stand behind the workmanship and professional work ethics of each subcontractor or employee.

5. Get Contract Outlining Work Timeline, Costs, Permits & Workmanship Guarantees

There is an old saying that states nothing is guaranteed unless it is written down and signed in a legally binding contract. The same is true for general contractors. Always insist on a thoroughly detailed and signed contract from your general contractor before any work begins. This contract should include everything involved in the build project from start to finish.

The contract should outline the expected work timeline, an estimated figure for expected costs, up to date work and building permits and workmanship along with material quality guarantees. This may also include specific warrantee guarantees that should be spelled out precisely as well.

Watch out for red flags that your contractor might not be everything he professes to be. Less reputable or dishonest contractors rely on the fact that most prospective customers do not investigate the details regarding the company and its history or proof of what they claim is a legitimate and honest business.

Get Quotes from Several Contractors Before Making a Final Decision

Although quoted costs should not be your only method of vetting a general contractor and verifying the contractor’s reputation, it is a smart move to get price quotes from several contractors prior to making your final selection. It is possible for customers to save money by choosing the right candidate for the job.

Many general contractors offer discount rates in their off seasonal months. Others offer discounts during certain other times of the year. Always make sure that any price quotes are included in the contract and be sure to read even the fine print before signing this binding contract.

Find Out if a Contractor Keeps Their Customers Informed Throughout Project

Ask around to determine if a contractor has a solid history of keeping their customers up to date and informed of the project process from the beginning of the build all the way through to its completion for best results. This might limit any hidden fees or other surprise expenses.

Past Work & Positive Word-of-Mouth Customer Reviews Are Key Vetting Steps

A general contractor’s past work and positive word-of-mouth praises regarding previous jobs along with high customer reviews are key elements of the contractor vetting steps.

Get invaluable insider information on how to vet a new contractor and/or inquire about a future build project by contacting Denver Urban Builders. Simply dial (720) 902-5773 during regular business hours or browse the company website that has lots of interesting and up to date information regarding home building anytime by accessing online.