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Selecting a Building Contractor
in Pagosa Springs, Part Two
One of the main ways of finding a reliable general contractor is to ask for referrals from people involved in the building
industry. Some good sources of referrals are the Chamber of Commerce,
real estate professionals, bankers, and homeowners who have recently
built in the area. Another place to find contractors is the Builders'
Association of Pagosa Springs; click
here for their web site. These sources will also help you
determine if you need a specialty contractor, such as a log home
builder or a contractor specializing in solar energy.
You should end up with a list of contractors who seem to
fit the project you have in mind. Narrow the list down to two
or three by asking specific questions about the builders:
How long have they been in business here? Do they have a reputation
for being easy to work with? Are they dependable? Do they stay
on budget? Have the local building departments had difficulties
working with them? Are their prices fair? Is their work top-notch?
Call the contractors themselves and find out if they are bonded
and insured. Once you find a short list of the two or three most
likely choices, schedule interviews with each of them. Bring along
your plans and a detailed list of questions you can ask each contractor.
Being well prepared for the interviews will help you make an informed
choice.
A qualified, experienced contractor should be able to give you
a ballpark square foot price for your home, based on a simple
plan and some information about materials and finishes. The best
contractors will offer to provide you with a comprehensive contract
and a detailed cost breakdown, an itemized list which will allow
you to see how the project expenses are proportioned. Thisbrealdown
is particularly helpful if changes are made after the building
process gets started.
Ask if the contractor has built homes similar to the one you have
chosen. See how busy they are...are they TOO busy? Have them give
you references from homes they have recently built.
Discuss environmental concerns like snow load, soil issues at
your site, possibilities for solar energy, water and septic issues,
paints and other finishes. What are the contractor's policies
if defective workmanship or materials are found after you take
possession of the house? Is the contractor willing to work with
various subcontractors to speed the building process?
Remember that you will be working with your contractor for several
months, maybe even a year or longer in some cases. Are you able
to communicate easily with him? Is he a person you think you want
to have an extended business relationship with?
Building a home is the biggest project that most people ever tackle
in their lifetimes. Give yourself the time you need to carefully
choose your general contractor, and you have a much greater chance
of ending up with a home you are truly happy with.
Back
to "Selecting a Contractor, page 1"
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Building Page
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