Finding a Super Contractor

CompliCmoepnytary Home Builders Association of Berks County PENNAPRIL 2013 ASSOCIATION Finding a Super SYLVANIA BUILDERS Contractor! BEPUSBTLIICNATSIOTNATE Tips & Tools for Making the Right Selection Property Taxes: A Vexing Problem, A Practical Solution Insights by Representative Jim Cox How to Plan & Prepare for a Construction Project

FIND A SUPER CONTRACTOR! ByChristianD.Malesic,MBA,IOM Super contractors are plentiful and become members. What’s more, land you at the Independent Electrical easy to find when you approach the education and continuous improvement Contractors (IEC). due diligence process with purpose are in the members’ blood. They know and foresight. The largest ad in the phone about the latest building materials and oISsruBrDpiogaegsses?rSmBeatltleerr book (print or digital), great website, gizmos on the market, understand handsome smile, or the cheapest price permitting and inspections, and know Just because a company has a bunch tell you nothing. Builders, remodelers, the difference between a contract, change of employees, advertises heavily, or “has and trade contractors will work on your order, and punch list (and why each done 10 projects in your neighborhood” most valuable asset and prized possession legally protects both of you during the doesn’t mean that they have quality -your home. More importantly, they course of your project, while keeping service or are proficient at the trades. On will become your go-to expert and most communication lines open). the other hand, smaller companies are trusted advisor in their area of specialty. not necessarily more detail-oriented or So how do you find the absolute best There are many additional professional faster to respond just because they have craftsmen, most trustworthy business, and trade associations for specialty contractors fewer customers. There are good large all-around SUPER contractor? that can also be used to aid in your search. companies and good small companies. Though the best-of-the-best excavators, You must determine which is right Start at the Very plumbers, roofers, landscapers, etc. make for you. As a rule, contractors who are Beginning-A Very it a point of joining their local HBA of constantly improving themselves and Good Place to Start Berks County (HBAberks.org), they their businesses through continual often are also members of their specialty education, training, and networking often Professional trade organizations, trade association to gain knowledge make the best contractors (and their like the Home Builders Association specific to their trade. businesses come in all sizes). of Berks County (HBA), are the best places to begin your search. The criteria A quick web search for the area you are Let their credentials, experience, and for membership in these associations researching followed by the words “trade expertise be your guide, not the size are stringent; therefore, only the most association” is a great place to start. Thus, of their company. Gravitate toward professional and ethical companies when looking for a kitchen designer, a web search for “kitchen trade association” will reveal the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Similarly, a search for “Electrician Trade Association” will 4 AT HOME IN BERKs april 2013

HBAberks.org I 610.777.8889 those contractors that are certified for your ideas and suggest ways to make a contractor who returns your phone experts by outside trade associations or them work better? calls, answers your questions, and has a agencies. Consider more seriously those trustworthy reputation. contractors that regularly attend trade • Is customer service emphasized? shows and conventions in their industry. This is not a decision that should be Education is paramount. Would you want • Will they work within your budget solely based on whom you “like” the a teacher teaching your children if she constraints? Will they be honest when most or whom was the “nicest” or had had never been to school herself ? Or an your budget is way less than the project the “best personality.” However, you accountant without an accounting degree will require? will be working with the contractor and the letters CPA (Certified Public and their team for an extended period Accountant) after his name advising • Do they seem organized when you of time; so, how you emotionally feel you on your finances? Contractors have discuss the job with them? about them should have some weight in certifications, designations, and education your decision-making process. Use your as well. • Are their business materials neat, emotions, use your gut... just make sure Does this mean you should only professional, and complete (business your research and intellect have a bigger consider those with letters after their cards, flyers, website, etc.)? say in your final decision. names and education under their belt? Absolutely not! Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and • Do they carry insurance to protect you If you put as much time into selecting Mark Zuckerberg all ran/run incredibly from claims arising from property a contractor as you did in selecting and successful businesses without completing damage or job site injuries (get a copy planning your last vacation or choosing their education. They, however, are the of their insurance certificate, don’t just if and where you or your children should exception, not the norm. Give education ask the question)? go to college, you’ll make a good decision weight in your decision-making process. in the end. Plan for it. Spend time on it. • Are they registered with the Debate it with your loved ones. Then trust tHhoewCDaondYioduatIenste?rview Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? Go to yourself that you made the right decision. www.AttorneyGeneral.gov and see for Moreover, trust your contractor and their Treat your research seriously and yourself, don’t just ask the question. expert advice. prepare for the process. After you build a list of potential contractor candidates, • Do they offer a warranty? ABOUT THE AUTHOR spend time organizing your thoughts & • Will they arrange for the construction Christian D. Malesic, MBA, IOM is the preparing your questions before meeting permit? Executive Officer of with the first contractor candidate. the Home Builders At each interview, observe how each • Do they specialize in certain projects? Association of Berks candidate reacts and responds. Don’t be County. He provides afraid to take notes. insight on construction How to Decide? issues, business gSeomt yeousutghgineksitniogn: s to operations, marketing, You probably already personal finance, When you discuss what you’d like to have a budget in mind, and occasionally, on and know how much you political philosophy/ do, does the contractor show enthusiasm are willing to pay. If not, history. Contact maybe you are planning to Christian at the HBA “get three quotations and of Berks County office: pick the lowest.” Christian@HBAberks. org or, to receive notice DO NOT LET of the newest articles PRICE be the main written by Christian, reason you choose one follow him on Twitter contractor over another! @CDMalesic. Often the lowest bidder is cutting corners somewhere they shouldn’t. Would you want the lowest paid doctor operating on your child?... or the cheapest lawyer defending you in court? Make your choice based on service, knowledge, ability, and communication; not based solely on price. If you can’t afford to do it right, how can you afford to do it over? When you hire a contractor, you are buying a service and expertise rather than a product. The quality of service the contractor provides will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction with it. Only choose april 2013 AT HOME IN BERKs 5