Are you renovating a room in your home, considering a major remodel, or building a new house from the ground up? If so, there are many benefits to hiring a contractor. You may be pretty handy, but unless you work in the construction industry, the complexity of these projects could get the best of you. That being said, a contractor’s expertise can help your project go smoothly while also helping you to avoid costly mistakes. Here’s what you need to know before you hire a contractor.
What Contractors Do
Qualified general contractors have the knowledge and expertise to get your home repair or construction project off the ground and moving. In short, they are responsible for providing all of the materials, labor, equipment, and services needed to complete the project. From start to finish, some common duties of a professional contractor could include:
- Hiring and managing a team of subcontractors, such as plumbers, electricians, and painters
- Ensuring top-quality building materials for your project
- Providing the equipment to construct, design, or repair what’s needed
- Adhering to local building codes, health and safety specifications, and industry standards
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
Each home project is unique and varied, as no two projects are exactly alike. However, there are a few common questions all homeowners should ask themselves when determining whether or not to hire a contractor. So, go ahead and ask yourself the following:
- Do I have the time to complete my project?
- Will this project affect multiple areas of my home?
- Do I have the necessary skills to handle every aspect of the renovation or build?
- Will my project require a permit and adherence to local building codes?
- Will I need subcontractors for specialized tasks?
If you feel apprehensive about the size and scope of your project as you answer these questions, it may be wise to consider professional help. Overall, hiring a qualified contractor can take a lot of the mental and physical load off of your shoulders.
Projects Suited for Contractors
Many homeowners can handle simple repairs and projects. For instance, certain tasks like filling a crack in the wall or putting up a fence are easy enough for a DIYer. However, there are a number of jobs that are best left to the professionals, including the following:
- Acquire a special building permit to remodel or rebuild rooms or install new windows and doors
- Fix leaks, install a new bathtub or shower, and other plumbing projects
- Rewire a home, address faulty power outlets, and other electrical issues
- Repair structural elements such as foundations, basements, drywall, insulation, and roofing
- Restore a home after damage from a flood, fire, storm, etc.
- Rebuild a severely damaged home
Find Your Supplies at Friel Lumber
When you’re ready to hire a contractor, Friel Lumber can help you get started on that remodel or new build. For projects big and small, we’ll work with your contractor, providing the highest quality materials available. From lumber and building materials to countertops, we’ve got the products your contractor needs. For more information, contact Friel Lumber.
