TOP 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN TAMPA, FLORIDA
Choosing a general contractor to bring your building project to fruition is very important. Though there’s no foolproof way to maneuver through the selection process, you can improve your chances of success by asking these five key questions before hiring a general contractor for your building project in Tampa, Florida.
- DOES THE CONTRACTOR HAVE PROOF OF LICENSE AND INSURANCE? Be sure to obtain proof of license and insurance from your contractor—no matter the project size. Contractors who are unlicensed or uninsured put you and your property at significant financial risk. Double-check that the licensed name matches the name on the contract and that the contractor’s license number is also listed. The insurance they carry should also be adequate for the size and risk of your Tampa project.
- IS THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR LOCAL? Hiring a local contractor in Tampa, Florida, is crucial. With their years of experience, a local contractor knows the best solutions to withstand specific problems that usually occur in your Tampa community. Compared to out-of-area contractors, local contractors know the requirements of your Tampa municipality or state, so you can expect them to do their job correctly.
- WHAT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S “CONTRACT DELIVERY METHOD?” Understanding this fundamental question is crucial to choosing the right general contractor in Tampa. The three most prevalent construction contract delivery methods are 1) lump sum or fixed price, 2) cost plus, and 3) guaranteed max price (GMAX). Ensure you clarify your contractor’s delivery method for your Tampa project.
- WHAT DOES THE CONTRACTOR SEE AS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES WITH THE PROJECT? Occasionally, you should ask a question that will give you valuable information about your Tampa project. Asking your contractor about potential challenges will reveal how much knowledge they have of the project and inform you of potential project hurdles specific to Tampa. Also, determine how the contractor mitigates changes that may impact the project’s cost and schedule during the build. Changes come in various forms, including owner changes, unknown or discoverable issues, or drawing errors or omissions. Either way, there should be a clear plan to address these challenges for your Tampa project.
- WHAT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S SCHEDULE? Discuss how the contractor prepares, follows, and updates the schedule in Tampa. A mismanaged plan can cost time and a ton of money. Make sure the contractor’s project superintendent develops, monitors, and updates the schedule with assistance and input from the project manager regularly, ensuring a smooth project timeline in Tampa, Florida.
