Selecting Your Sub-Contractors

Selecting Other Contractors

In addition to selecting your builder, i.e the general contractor, you may, depending on the type of contract you have in place with your builder, potentially select other contractors, including carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Here’s a quick look at some of the services you may need:

• Environmental engineers consult on environmental impact issues, including water supply engineering, air pollution control and waste water treatment.

• Structural engineers develop structurally sound solutions that fit with an architect’s design and ensure thatcstructures can withstand stresses from earthquakes, wind, ice and snow.

• HVAC professionals install the home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including the furnace, heat pumps, ductwork, and the associated wiring.

• Interior designers specialize in offering advice on creating a suitable home interior by using colors, furnishings, floor coverings, drapes, patterns, and textures. They do not physically alter the home’s structure.

• Landscapers can help you create an attractive and functional yard. They specialize in planning and implementing landscapes that incorporates decks, patios, ponds, shrubs, flowers, trees, and other materials, as needed. They can also flatten hills and build retaining walls.

• Kitchen or bath specialists design enhancements for your kitchen or bathroom. A Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) or Certified Bath Designer (CBD) are experts in their area and can make suggestions, such as which fixtures and cabinetry can make the most of your space. Because of their specialization, they are typically very knowledgeable regarding new techniques or design styles. If the proposed work involves structural changes, CKDs and BDs can work with your architect, or directly with the contractor, to make sure you end up with a quality result. When selecting a contractor, contact your city’s building code inspector, the Better Business Bureau®, and the municipal builders licensing board to check for any complaints against the contractors in question.

Obtain some of the following information during your contractor interviews:

• Find out how long the company has been in business.

• Ask about their approach to custom-home projects.

• Determine how many similar projects they have completed.

• Ask for a proof of licensing, insurance, and bonding.

• Get credentials for any potential subcontractor the contractor plans to use.

• Obtain references of past customers.

• As appropriate, view samples of past work.

When contacting references provided by contractors, ask to see the work, if possible, and consider asking the following questions:

• Was the contractor easy to communicate with?

• Was the project completed on time?

• Were the terms of the contract fulfilled?

• Were you satisfied with the results?

• Would you use this contractor again?