07-29-2009, 10:34 PM
Sandra I've been in construction for 30 plus years now. I've seen more idiots with credentials than I care to recall, most of them are only after contracts (your money). Never hire a General Contractor who doesn't insist that you look at some of their recent projects. Also visit, if any, present projects and see who's actually working the jobs. Get the names and numbers of others they have built for and actually talk to those people and try to visit them in person. A hands on General Contractor is most often the best bet when seeking the best care for the construction of your home, this is always true, regardless of what you see the big time contractors produce. This bussiness used to be simple, most Generals had a particular trade they practiced on the project (typically carpenters but not always). Ask them if they will be on the job daily all day long or if they will only visit periodically to check the progress of their people.
Ask them what their specialty is and ask them how they like it. Ask them what foundation forms they prefer to work with and why. Ask what the best hammer is for framing. Here's a great question sure to stump a half wit and catch a few experienced people off guard. Ask to see their tape measure. Open up the tape and ask them what the little black diamonds are for. They better have the answer real quick, otherwise they better be able to figure it out pretty quick. If they have no answer, show them the door and tell them goodbye because they are either green or stupid.
The diamonds are typically used for joist shoring applications and other specs that call for 5 members in 8'break centers (they should spout off "That's 19-2/10 On Center" if they are a true pro). etc, etc, the more questions you ask, the more you're going to discover about the person that you're considering.
Sorry to hear about the evident half-wit people you ended up with. But there's really no need to bother yourself with check lists etc... just hire a pro next time.
Just wanted to add... Rob made a very important point regarding the list of what is included vs. what's not included and who is responsible for which list.
Create two addendums typically cited as “Inclusions” and “Exclusions” or if it’s a small project, they can be combined into one form called “Inclusions and Exclusions”.
A good Contractor will already have these bases covered by default within the contract.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
Ask them what their specialty is and ask them how they like it. Ask them what foundation forms they prefer to work with and why. Ask what the best hammer is for framing. Here's a great question sure to stump a half wit and catch a few experienced people off guard. Ask to see their tape measure. Open up the tape and ask them what the little black diamonds are for. They better have the answer real quick, otherwise they better be able to figure it out pretty quick. If they have no answer, show them the door and tell them goodbye because they are either green or stupid.
The diamonds are typically used for joist shoring applications and other specs that call for 5 members in 8'break centers (they should spout off "That's 19-2/10 On Center" if they are a true pro). etc, etc, the more questions you ask, the more you're going to discover about the person that you're considering.
Sorry to hear about the evident half-wit people you ended up with. But there's really no need to bother yourself with check lists etc... just hire a pro next time.
Just wanted to add... Rob made a very important point regarding the list of what is included vs. what's not included and who is responsible for which list.
Create two addendums typically cited as “Inclusions” and “Exclusions” or if it’s a small project, they can be combined into one form called “Inclusions and Exclusions”.
A good Contractor will already have these bases covered by default within the contract.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.