6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Construction Contractor

How to Choose a Construction Contractor

Have you wondered what construction contractor to choose for your project? Selecting the right construction contractor can determine your construction project's success.

Contractors are companies or individuals contracted to perform specific tasks or services. It is essential you know the factors to consider when choosing construction contractors. Deciding the right contractor can positively impact your building project. It can also help you avoid unnecessary increases in construction expenditure or cost.

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Construction Contractor

It is beneficial for you to select competent construction contractors for building projects. There are several things you must carefully consider in your choice, including: 

#1. Construction-Relevant Experience Level

Consider the track record of the relevant experience level of construction contractors. This consideration will help you decide whether they will be capable of building your projects.

You can verify if the contractors and their workers have the qualifications for the project. They must possess the knowledge, experience, and skills to construct your building effectively.

Such construction contractors must be familiar with the common hazards in construction. You should also have specific qualifications you want to see in your project. You can present contractors with the list when choosing them. Then, you can ask them for samples of similar projects they have completed.

Having done similar projects, they will be able to foresee potential issues that may arise in your building project and prevent them. Knowledge of their capacity will aid you in selecting a good contractor. It will also help assure you that your building project is in the right hands.  

#2. Excellent Communication Methods

Having strong communication with your construction contractor is the key to success for your project. You should know what your contractor’s communication methods are before commencing the project, to ensure you are able to relay details, ask questions, and make decisions during the project. 

So, the selection of the right contractor with excellent communication methods may help you get your desired result. 

You can also secure a method statement from the construction contractor. A method statement would state the approach the contractor would use in your project. Such statement would include:

• the sequence of construction activities

• preparation of site

• procedures of work

• emergency response protocols

• how equipment and materials would be handled

• safety precautions

#3. Health and Safety Policy

A contractor's health and safety policy is the document that states a contractor's way of ensuring a healthy and safe working environment. The policy will help you know how the contractor complies with safety regulations. 

This policy will reveal the contractor's measures to control hazards and evaluate risks. Such guidelines also state how the workers keep safety standards and help mitigate potential pitfalls in projects. 

You can also ask the construction contractors if they have a full-time safety officer. The safety officer can hold effective safety programs to train the employees. Health and safety policies will allow you to have confidence in your contractor's ability to ensure a safe work environment for your project.

Good contractors can secure competent safety advice through the in-house safety officer and experts who understand occupational health and safety. 

#4. Reputation of the Construction Contractor

It is essential you know your construction contractor's reputation and credibility. It is good to get a contractor's complaint history and also check their clients' reviews. Seeing a construction company with frequent accidents can be a red flag. 

Testimonials and reviews of contractors will give you insight into the reputation of the contractor and will help you in your choice.

You will be able to know their previous health and safety performance. Such reviews will also show their commitment to projects and capacity to do quality work. Positive references on similar projects show the contractors' reliability. 

#5. Competence of Staff and Subcontractors

Having competent staff subcontractors will aid the success of your building projects. Ensure you ask contractors about their team and understand how often they work with subcontractors. 

Employing qualified staff proves that construction contractors commit to expert execution of projects. The competence of staff and subcontractors will reduce the possibility of accidents. 

You should secure a construction contractor with the best team to deliver a high-quality project. Such contractors should have subcontractors they have developed relationships with over time. They should also have access to the local subcontractor market. Construction contractors often have to borrow equipment for projects. So, consider the availability of proper equipment during negotiations. 

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#6. Availability of Insurance and Licence

You can ask your potential construction contractors for their insurance certificates. You want to ensure they have liability insurance to protect your building in the event of damage. The insurance should cover workers' compensation, public liability, and professional indemnity. 

It would be best if you affirmed that they have the appropriate license as this will protect you if any workers sustain injuries while working on the project.

Durack Civil Can Help You

Making the right choice of a construction contractor will set the right tone for your construction project. At Durack Civil, we are willing to carry out your construction work effectively while adopting the best practices. 

Our professional team provides over 40 years of experience in excellent civil construction services. Reach out to us today.