Choosing the Right Contractor

By Dalia Sadany

Good Contractors are good Project Managers …

Problem Solving Teamwork Budgeting

Key skill sets they should have

Communication

Lookout for clues throughout the selection process

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Having Rapport with your Contractor is very important You can usually determine that at the first meeting

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Ask questions about theirpast projects and clients aswell as qualifications andaccomplishments

Be inquisitive in the meeting…

Look at pictures of theirprevious work to get a senseof their abilities

If possible try to visit pastclients’ homes to see thecontractor’s work firsthand

Make sure they have done the same work you want done

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If satisfied ask them to give you a Cost Estimate …

Give them the set of plans and specifications prepared byyour designer so they all have the same informationneeded to prepare proper estimates

Make sure to ask them to provide a ConstructionSchedule and submit everything to you in person todiscuss

Doing this will make it easier for you to compare between them later on

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Get a feel when you get the Estimate …

Was the Estimate detailed & prompt?

Good chance their work will also be

thorough

A sign of what their work habits

will be like

Yes No

Think Again

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How many estimates should I get before making a decision?

What really matters is that you feel comfortable you have enough adequate information to make the right choice

Other Peopleprefer one Contractor after the interviews and only ask them to give an estimate

Some Peopleprefer to get a number of bids from Contractors before making a decision

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As a general rule 3 estimates should be sufficient

Evaluate each estimate - make sure that everything you ask for is included (assume anything not listed is included not in the price)

Evaluate and compare the Estimates …

Compare between them carefully, takes notes and discuss them in detail with each contractor

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Points to remember before making your mind …

Stick with reputable Contractors

Be comfortable with their capabilities

Pricing doesn’t have to be the lowest, but fair and realistic

Don’t jump to the lowest bid … it may be unrealistically low (to just get the job)

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When in doubt consult your designer

Dalia Sadany is an Egyptian architect and interior designer withextensive background and experience in Design-Build turnkeysolutions. She has been a lifelong advocate of the ancientMaster Builder approach to construction.

Following in the tradition of the Master Builder, in 2005 DaliaSadany developed a group of partnerships operating under theumbrella of Dezines and management of Dalia Sadanyproviding full service turnkey solutions to residential andcommercial clients. The group consists of - Dezines a designhouse providing architecture, interiors & landscaping designservices; DECON - a general contractor specialized in high-endinterior finishing; and GUSH - a bespoke furniture designermaker.

Quoting from Marcus Vitruvius - the architect who relies solelyon theory and ignores the craftsmanship skill of building withhis own hands follows "a shadow and not reality."

About the Author

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