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Choosing a contractor
The first step after approving the project is choosing a builder.
It is essential to select a builder with whom you can establish a relationship built on trust and mutual understanding. It is best if such a builder can be recommended by friends or acquaintances who have already built a house. Discover which builders they did not choose and the reasons for this decision. Create a list of potential builders, schedule meetings with each, and request that they provide an approximate construction estimate. Bring the house project prepared by the architect to the meeting. It is essential to determine whether you can get along with the potential contractor. Watch how the builder responds to your questions or provides information without needing to ask follow-up questions. Remember that the builder should be a person you can trust throughout the construction process. If you do not feel comfortable at the beginning of communication, you will most likely encounter problems when it comes time to address critical issues.
Select no more than five builders and ask each to prepare a construction bid. This will make it easier to compare bids. But in any case, it will also be helpful later as a “construction condition” or “task” for the contractor during the execution of the work. It is best to submit detailed estimates that include all work, materials, and equipment. To accomplish this, potential contractors will need to compile a specific list of materials required for construction (from foundations to keys) for the cost of construction work. Ensure that each builder works according to the exact drawings and the same list of construction materials; otherwise, the prices of the bids will differ significantly. When the bids are prepared, act wisely – do not reject the most expensive bid, nor accept the cheapest. Some builders prepare an initial bid for a lower price. However, later, to fit within the budget, they are forced to reduce construction costs based on the quantity and quality of materials, i.e., at the expense of your home's energy efficiency.
The reputation of the builders is as vital as their offers. Contact the potential builder's former clients to gain insight into their experience working with them. Inspect a previously built house and assess its structural integrity. Using the information you have, choose the builder who best meets your criteria.
Choosing a reliable construction contractor (construction workers or a construction company) is quite tricky: it can be one of the most critical decisions on the way to your dream home.
Timely and reasonable choice
Why is it essential to select a builder as soon as possible? Specialists claim that the process should be sequential and thoughtful from the very beginning. Many people need the help of professionals to avoid mistakes when deciding on a plot of land, house architecture, its structures, finishes, and other details.
In short, the criteria to consider are:
1. Reputation.
Look for a builder with a proven track record. It is worth asking the builder's previous clients.
2. Experience in the construction field.
Select a specialist who has extensive experience in designing, constructing, and building houses that match your budget and chosen style.
3. Personality of the builder.
Building a house is a personal and emotional experience, so it's helpful to select a builder with whom you're pleasant to work.
4. Warranty.
The builder must provide a written guarantee for the work performed, as well as certificates of conformity for the materials used or declarations. Construction work in Latvia has a standard warranty period of 2 years. Warranty terms may be longer; this must be agreed upon with the builder in the construction work contract.
5. Financial stability.
Ensure that the builders you decide on are financially stable and reputable. Successful work in the construction market is a testament to delivering quality work at an affordable price. A company that works successfully will not leave the market even during the warranty period of your home. In addition, such companies have already established cooperation with material suppliers and reliable subcontractors who can perform various construction works to a high standard.
Contract with a construction contractor
When choosing a construction contractor and concluding a contract, it is beneficial to draw up an estimate of the cost of all work as an integral component of the contract. Estimates can also be drawn up for individual works, for example, foundations, walls, etc. Since in most cases the client is not a construction specialist, the contract should stipulate that the construction contractor must perform the work following regulatory documents and legislation, and should take responsibility for non-compliance with the law. This will make the construction contractor think not only about responsible work, but also about the comfort and safety of the residents in the future.
It is recommended to include a provision in the contract that construction work is accepted in stages. This ensures transparency of the work, timely detection and elimination of shortcomings. To accept the work, it should be possible to invite another party: an independent construction specialist.
The price of construction services is not the most accurate measure of quality. Sound quality is a set of factors that consist of a good design, appropriate, professionally, and skillfully applied goods and materials. Even the most expensive window can look worse and fail to perform its functions if it is installed improperly. Improper installation can significantly damage the properties of any window. In other words, the high price of the product does not compensate for its inappropriate use.
