The best kind of contractor?

Posted

Q. We’re trying to find a contractor for a very big job, building a new house for my family, and we’ve spoken to a few. Our question is, what kind of contractor should we hire? There are some who say they do the work themselves, that they’re “hands-on,” while others tell us they have a “team” that they manage, but they don’t actually swing a hammer. We’re very concerned about getting things right and are really intent on working with someone who will be doing the job, not just showing up for the paycheck. Which way should we go?

A. Good question! On one hand, you get someone who’s always there, and on the other, you get someone who’s constantly looking over everyone’s shoulder. One is physically doing the work while managing, and the other is only doing the managing by spending the time they both need to make sure the materials are being delivered when required, and scheduling subcontractors — plumbers, electricians, cabinet installers — to be on time, etc. There are positives and negatives to each of these.

The person who’s hands-on has to stop to use his phone in order to manage, or be very adept at delegating and only making calls during breaks and off hours. This usually doesn’t work, because everyone randomly gets calls and has to follow up. In the case of the person running the business, it’s nearly impossible to communicate only on breaks. The more important question isn’t whether the person you contract with is swinging a hammer, but how well the company communicates with you, follows your wishes and the building plans and codes, and concentrates on quality. You don’t want your home to be structurally unsound, to leak, to be poorly finished or uncomfortable to live in.

Some contractors who never pick up tools are very good at identifying problems before they get worse, working out details and checking materials before they’re delivered or as they arrive. Remember, the person you sign with should be the person you need to be sure is listening and providing the service. Will he be responsive to your calls, and will he make time to meet with you and keep things running smoothly on your budget and within a reasonable time frame?

Page 1 / 2