Mulick Construction and Design, Inc.
818-889-0440
In our blogs and news items, we will give insight on construction and design related issues that can impact your construction project.
How Do I Select a Contractor for My Project?
How do you know which contractor to choose for you construction project. There are quite a few things to consider in the selection process.
PRICE: This should not be the only criteria by which you make a selection. As a professsional, I usually will get three bids for the work. Before asking for the bid, I make sure that I have given all three bidders the same information. The more detailed the information, the more precise the bid will be. I always throw away the lowest bid, especially if that price is significanly lower than the other two bidders. Usually, the lower bid will not include everything (maybe they are relying you to supply some of the materisals) or that contractor may have missed something, and later come back to me for more money.
REFERENCES: This is probably the most improtant element. Ask for a list of past job referals, and call them. Try to get the contractor to take you to see some of his or her work.
LICENSING AND INSURANCE: You will be suprised as to how many unlicensed and uninsured "contractors" are out there. Go to www.cslb.ca.gov to check to see if a contractor is licensed and to check the status of a license.
READ THE CONTRACT AND SPECIFICATIONS: A ligitimate bid will have a great amount of detail as to what is included, and what is not included. If the inclusions and exclusions are not a part of the contract, then what will happen after the work is started and it is unclear as to what is included?
The cheapest price can often turn out to cost the most if things are not constructed properly, or if items are not included in the contract.
How Important are a Set of Plans?
Now think about it, would you drive your car to a distant location without using GPS or a map to get there? Would you want your Doctor operating on you without a game plan? A good, detailed set of plans and specifications are paramount to a successful construction project. They will not only save time and mistakes, but the price that you "invest" in a set of plans will come back ten fold.
A good set of plans should have details that answer all of the questions that may come up. Some of the elements in the plans should be a floor plan, structural plans (if there are walls being moved or built), interior elevations of the walls, electric plan, window and door schedules (lists of types and sizes of doors and windows), a finish schedule (the materials that will be used on the floors, base boards, walls, etc.), and any other elements of the project that can be listed or drawn.
Anything that is not on the plans, should be written on a specifications sheet or book. These may include tile type, paint manufacturer selection, colors for the paint, door hardware, light fixture types, plug and switch types, plumbing fixtures (make and model number and color) and interior wall finishes. Well, you get the idea. The more the detail, then the more likely there will not be a misunderstanding during the project.
For more information, please
1476 Dorset Ave.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Lic. #372231 and #968128
Or call 818-889-0440
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