Hiring a general contractor to handle a project at your home or business requires you to put a good amount of trust in that person. You have to ensure that you’re choosing the person that’s going to complete the job how it needs to be done. This doesn’t always mean choosing the company that provides you with the lowest estimate. There are many other factors to consider, including the time frame and the workmanship you’ll receive.
When you choose a contractor, make sure that you get a contract to cover the job. This will have all the terms that you agree to. It should also have information about the scope of the project and what the contractor will do for you. Dispute resolution methods are also covered in the contract.
What types of defects are common?
There are three primary categories of defects – delays on the project, subpar workmanship and substandard materials. Each of these can impact the matter in a different way, and each may be associated with monetary losses.
A delay in the completion of the project could mean that you’re out of money if you can’t use it on time. Most contractors will keep weather-related delays in mind when they set the timeline for the project.
Subpar workmanship means that the workers didn’t handle their tasks in the appropriate manner. This can lead to the structure failing before it should. There might also be cosmetic issues that make it look bad.
Substandard materials are sometimes used in an effort to save the contractor money and boost profits. These products can cause massive issues because they aren’t able to support the use they will receive. In some cases, mold and mildew on them could be a health hazard.
What if something happens?
There are many issues that can come up during the construction project. The way that you handle the problem is determined by the nature of what arises. Most of the time, the contractor will work with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the job because these companies depend heavily on word-of-mouth advertising.
When the contractor isn’t willing to correct the issue, you will turn to the contract to find out what options you have for seeking a resolution. Some contracts might limit you to arbitration or mediation. Others won’t have any exclusions. Working with someone who is familiar with construction defect cases might help you to learn about the options you have for resolving the matter.