What to expect before, during and after your Boston remodeling project

As soon as the homeowner makes a decision on what they want and the materials to be used, the project leaves the hands of the designer or architect and are given to the general or building contractor for implementation. First, the GC will develop a budget for the project for the owner’s approval.

Next, they will secure any required permits. Then, all of the supplies are ordered. At the same time, the GC will also arrange and schedule the various subcontractors that will be necessary to complete the project.

As the project progresses, the GC will visit the site regularly but is not really required to be there all of the time. Still, it is their responsibility to monitor the activities of the subcontractors and ensure that their work meets both building standards and the quality standards of the homeowner. TO this end, the GC will periodically conduct a “walkthrough” with the project owner. At this time, any issues can be voiced and any changes can be made.

At the completion of the project, the contractor will perform a final walkthrough with the owner. It is at this time that the project owner will inspect the work and express any final concerns. A “punch list” detailing these problems is created and the GC will see that they are fixed.

Furthermore, your Boston area general contractor should follow up on the completed project in two or three weeks just to ensure that you still find everything satisfactory about the completed project.

How Homeowners Can Evaluate a Home Contractor in Boston

Evaluation

The very first thing to look for in a general contractor is that they arrive on time, are organized in their presentation and accurate in their estimates – that is just basic common sense. Obviously, these are somewhat difficult qualities to assess in a person that you do not know. Still, the way a GC handles themselves during the bidding process is an excellent indicator of how well they will act if they are actually awarded the job.

A second important factor in evaluating a GC is verifying their credentials. Almost all local municipalities license anyone who performs residential construction or repair – including general contractors who only oversee the work. Any reputable GC will provide you with their license number as well as their insurance and bonding documents. In addition, it is advisable to also check their job-related references.

A final note about handymen

For financial reasons, some homeowners may be inclined to hire a “handyman” rather than a general contractor. Certainly, these home professionals can be cheaper and may be more appropriate for your type of home project. If you do hire a Boston Handyman make sure that they still follow the permitting process. It will save you problems if at some point you decide to sell your home.

Lastly, not all handymen carry insurance which means that the homeowner is liable for any injuries that occur on the job. When you interview candidates for your job make sure you ask these questions. Regardless, trust a Boston GC and pay a little extra. It is well worth the money.