When walls come down, schedules slip or selections impact other parts of the project – even the simplest renovations can get complicated fast. Whether you’re updating a condominium or kitchen, expanding or renovating a restaurant or office, or embarking on a ground-up build-out project, hiring the right general contractor will make a huge difference in your experience – and the outcome – of your project.
While you may love browsing inspiration photos and poring over paint, tile, lighting and cabinet selections, a good general contractor near Downtown Doral will want to start with a more in-depth understanding of what you’re hoping to accomplish with your project. Are you hoping to increase storage and improve the functionality of your kitchen? Create more space for your team to work productively in an office environment – without disrupting business? Update your restaurant or commercial space to improve customer flow, ADA compliance – click here for info or functionality of equipment?
While every project is different, it’s helpful to provide your GC with:
- Floor plans, sketches, inspiration photos or other information
- Areas of your home or business you’re interested in updating
- Any structural, plumbing or electrical issues you’re aware of
- Specific finishes or design elements you’re interested in
- Any concerns you have regarding access, noise, parking, time of day you’d like work to occur, etc.
While it’s easy to get caught up in finishes and design elements when considering a remodeling or new construction project, the more information you can provide your GC upfront, the better equipped they’ll be to assist you with your project – and avoid misunderstandings down the road. General contractors near Downtown Doral should be able to field your questions about your project, direct you to other professionals you may need along the way, hire and coordinate skilled subcontractors and vendors to get the job done, and more.
Project Location
Depending on where your project is located – particularly if you’re renovating a condominium unit or commercial space – there may be additional hoops to jump through before you break ground. Deliveries, debris removal, parking, elevator usage, loading dock access, and more may need to be arranged in advance of your project, particularly in busier commercial areas like Downtown Doral where newer buildings and businesses are popping up almost overnight. Your GC will also want to understand any rules or regulations your condo association, landlord or property management company may have regarding construction, hours work can occur, etc., before getting started.
In addition, your GC will discuss with you which aspects of your project may require permits before breaking ground. Contrary to popular belief, permits aren’t just for show – they help ensure certain aspects of your project will be completed up to code. Ask your GC which portions of your project may require permits, who will be responsible for acquiring those permits, and how inspections may impact your project’s timeline.
Detailed Estimates
Once your GC has assessed your project and discussed your ideas and visions for the project, they’ll likely provide you with an estimate. Take the time to review your estimate thoroughly before accepting it. If local coordination matters, discuss the estimate in the same detail with a general contractor near downtown Doral before accepting it. You should have a clear understanding of what’s included in your GC’s estimate – labor, materials, project management, etc.
- as well as allowances, anything that isn’t included in the estimate, and the next steps of the process. If there are aspects of your project your GC can’t assess until further along in the process (hidden structural or plumbing issues, etc.) or selections you haven’t made yet (cabinets, paint colors, etc.), make sure they point that out in the estimate.
It’s also helpful to discuss with your GC how they handle change orders, especially if you’re renovating. Even the most thorough GCs can’t anticipate every hiccup that may come up during a renovation project. Having a process for addressing changes to a project once work commences can help avoid confusion – and keep everyone on the same page – if something unexpected crops up along the way. And if budget is a concern, setting aside 15% of your project’s budget for unforeseen circumstances can go a long way in avoiding headaches (and impulse decisions!) down the road.
Clear Communication
It goes without saying that communication is key when it comes to construction projects. There are typically multiple moving parts during a project – demolition, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, inspectors, property managers, designers, suppliers, etc. – and your GC can help keep everyone working together harmoniously. But it’s also important you know who your main point of contact will be during your project and how often you’ll receive updates. Are there certain project decisions you’ll need to weigh in on quickly? Will you speak more with your GC, their office manager, or the project manager overseeing your job?
Contract Review
Once you’ve decided to move forward with a GC, resist the urge to sign your GC agreement without giving it a once-over first. Make sure you’re clear on your GC’s payment schedule, project timeline, responsibilities around acquiring permits, the process for requesting changes to your project, what happens if your project runs behind schedule, who will be overseeing your project day-to-day, cleanup responsibilities, and more.
If there are aspects of your project you’re particularly excited about (that gorgeous custom bookcase you circled back to your GC with inspiration photos of, for example), double-check where that item is addressed in your GC agreement and whether it’s been accounted for in the estimate as a material, labor line item, allowance, etc.
And if there’s anything else on your mind before commencing your project, don’t be afraid to pen it down and refer back to your agreement to see if the topic has been addressed.