Four Questions to Ask Your Prospective General Contractor
When undertaking a construction project, hiring the right contractor makes all the difference. Whether you are renovating your house or building a new home from the ground up, your project will likely take multiple months, and there will be critical decisions to make along the way. Too often, clients end up working with contractors who misinterpret their vision, expectations, and budget requirements. However, with a great team by your side, you can rest assured that they will guide you through the process and complete the job with care and diligence.
Here are four great questions to ask a potential general contractor before hiring:
1) How long have you been working in the area you service?
Extensive experience in your specific city or county is crucial to a successful construction project. Each city has specific rules and regulations for building and permitting, so working with a contractor who already has substantial experience in your area will help move your project along seamlessly and safely.
Having been present in Santa Barbara for over 40 years, Utt Construction has an extensive history of successful projects in our area. With our woodworking shop right here in Goleta, we are tried-and-true locals who have had the privilege of serving our community for decades.
2) Can you provide a list of references?
One of the best ways to learn about a general contractor is from credible sources. Ask your potential contractor for a list of previous clients. Then, call those people. Hear about their experiences, read testimonials, look through project galleries on their website. Good client relationships and returning customers are a true sign of the company’s trustworthiness and credibility.
“We have dealt with dozens, if not hundreds of contractors, and Utt Construction stands head and shoulders above them. They are responsive, attentive, fair in their pricing, and organized with any change orders we asked for. A few needs have come up since the project finished, but they have been so responsive, and are at the house within a day. We would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in Santa Barbara looking to build or remodel their home.”
- Priscilla and Steven Kersten
3) Do you anticipate any challenges regarding this project?
When it comes to construction, it’s not uncommon for a few complications to arise during the process. Some challenges may be clear from the beginning, while the crew may discover others along the way. A good contractor will be up-front about these issues from the start. By asking your potential contractor to explain any challenges they foresee, you can ensure that they will be honest and transparent about possible adjustments to the cost or timeline.
Our priority is providing the best quality work for the lowest possible cost. Because of this, we always stay in touch with our clients, updating them on project progress, and informing them whenever an adjustment is needed.
4) How do you communicate with clients?
Clear and effective communication is essential for any construction project. Throughout the entire process, everything should be smooth and straightforward. Questions will arise regardless of the size of your project, and your contractor should provide a designated point of contact who is easily accessible - whether by phone, text message, or email. Ask your contractor how they plan to communicate, and make sure they create a communication system specifically tailored to your needs.
Bradley Wisham, General Contracting & Finish Carpentry
Bruce Williams, Cabinetry
Christa King, Treasurer & Project Manager
We are a small team of caring and dedicated professionals, and we make sure that the same person oversees your project from start to finish. For over 40 years, we’ve refined our communication so that our clients feel confident that we’ll get the job done with precision and excellence. Give us a call if you have any questions - we are more than happy to answer them.