A beautiful calm dream versus a nightmare might be determined by who you choose as your general contractor for the job. A Contractor is defined as “a person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job.” Because of past, bad experiences, people are scared to sign contractors. 

What to Look for in a Contractor

We all want whomever we hire to fulfill their obligations to us and deliver what was promised. Oftentimes we are told to get three quotes and go with the guy in the middle. That might not be the best suggestion, especially if you are substituting fair quality for great quality. Here are some crucial pointers to aid in your selection of a general contractor.

Responsiveness

The ability to respond quickly and communicate effectively is the most crucial characteristic to seek in a contractor. You want to work with a person that promptly returns your calls, texts, and emails. When there is a breakdown in communication between the parties, many problems occur.

Misunderstanding can easily be resolved with timely communication. Hidden issues with the property can crop up that were out of sight when the project was bid. For example, dry rot, termite damage, and incorrect installations from previous contractors. The ability to keep the owners informed at all stages, whether good or bad, is the most important point. 

Licensed

Ensure that everyone you hire has the experience and a license. You put yourself in danger if you hire an unlicensed person for work that calls for expertise, permits, etc. because you won’t have any redress if they take your money and run.

You cannot make a claim against their surety bond or proceed to the Contractors License Board. They don’t have a license for a reason—they want to avoid getting caught paying taxes, getting a license, etc. We’ve frequently been asked to correct the work of a low-ball “contractor” who was inept and unlicensed.

Experience

What are their advantages in terms of the experience? What kinds of projects, and how many, have they completed? Sometimes the contractor will work on fewer, superior projects that take months to finish. Different projects call for various skill sets. Can your contractor complete the project from start to finish, or will they give up once they realize they are in over their heads?

Insured

Is your contractor insured? California sets down regulations that must be complied with. Your contractor should, at the very least, be covered by general liability and workers’ compensation. AC&R Construction has all the required insurance policies. You can rest assured that when we begin to work, your property and our workers are protected.

Trust

Trust is the last quality to look for in a contractor. Do they fulfill their commitments and complete the work as outlined in their contract? The contractor you select needs to have glowing testimonials from actual customers. 

A person who has never had work performed by the contractor should not, in my opinion, write a review or lodge a complaint. When that happens, it comes across as vengeful and dubious.

Why Choose AC&R Construction

AC&R Construction has been remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for over 20 years. We’ve seen hundreds of contractors go out of business while we have remained a staple based in this community. Our company continues to grow year after year. We are a fully licensed and insured contractor in the state of California. 

We are trusted by homeowners to remodel their homes. These projects require meticulous skill, experience, and careful planning. We are champions in this area and have the work to prove it. We take the same care and attention, whether it is a small or large-scale project. Call us to set up a time for us to see your project.