• Choosing a Builder
• Choosing a Contractor
• Choosing a Remodeler
• Selecting a Site

The Building Process: Important Points in Contractor Selection

Do Your Homework

If you are in the market for a new home, condo, duplex, or townhouse, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for the items to fill your home. Don't hire just any contractor listed in the yellow pages. Ask the following critical questions to guide you through the process of selecting the right builder for your needs.

Ask yourself:

What type of home would you like to have built? By determining the style, price range, and location of your desired home up-front, you can save valuable time in attempting to select your builder.

Important Points:

• Ask you architect or designer for recommendations based on the house style you have chosen.
• Does the contractor have a permanent location and good reputation with local bank.
• How long has the contractor been in business?
• Is the builder a member of the Sheboygan County Home Builders Association?
• Get references from previous customers.
• Contact the references, and check out the work for yourself. Ask the references how the working relationship was with the contractor.
• Look at the quality of the workmanship by the contractor.
• Check with the contractor's subcontractors and are they reputable
• Check on credit references. Ask where he buys his materials and supplies. Make sure he pays his bills.
• Ask the contractor if he is insured against claims covering worker's compensation, property damage and personal liability. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Ask for his state assigned Contractor's Certification Number and expiry date.
• Is the contractor licensed, if required for his trade.
• All agreements should be in writing. If you have any questions or don't understand something, ask before you sign.
• Get more than one quote and question the differences (three is a common amount).
• Remember, you may never do this again, so make sure you are doing it right this time.
• Don't let price be the only factor you consider. Comparable quotes are great, but do your homework on the contractor.
• Don't try to rush a contractor into getting your estimate together. Allow the necessary time to get through the process. It will help avoid unpleasant surprises later.
• Don't have unreasonable schedules in mind. Allow for reasonable amounts of time for quality workmanship.
• Don't be disappointed if a project is not done on schedule. Contractors cannot control the weather and most jobs have changes and additions which change the time factors for completion.
• Have you contacted the Better business Bureau or the WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection? They can alert you to any outstanding complaints.
• Click on the following link for further consumer information http://www.wisbuild.org/news-and-information/consumer-information.html