Hiring a GC based on cost

Hiring a General Contractor based on cost is a risky proposition.  It seems that we have all purchased the low-cost item simply because it was the cheapest and later regretted that decision.

In the world of construction, if a GC is quite a bit lower than the competitors, there is usually a good reason.  You should expect that he will make up the difference in different ways, like substandard materials, cheap/unskilled labor and inferior craftsmanship, and through the change order process.

To help weed out the substandard General Contractors, there are a number of things you can do:

• Treat the process like you're hiring an employee
  • What does their website tell you? Read it like a resume'.  Does it foster confidence in their ability to meet your needs?
  • Did they show up on time and were they prepared?
• How well does the GC communicate with you?
  • Are they easy to reach and are they prompt, courteous, and on point with their responses?
  • Did they seek to understand your business needs?
  • Did they bring any value to your meetings/conversations?
• Ask probing questions
  • How do they approach conflict resolution?
  • Will they agree to put everything in writing?
  • Will they provide multiple references?
• Do you feel you will enjoy working with them
  • Are there any warning signs?
  • Do they seem trustworthy?
  • Trust your instincts.
• Do your research
  • Look at previous work, not just pictures on a cell phone.
  • Always check recent references.
  • Search for reviews.

Note - the Experts say unhappy customers are 3 times MORE LIKELY to post a review than a happy customer.