How can you choose a contractor for your custom millwork?
If it’s time for you to select a contractor to take care of your custom millwork needs, but you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, take a deep breath and relax. With the tips below on hand, you will be more than ready to research and choose the perfect contractor to achieve the high quality custom millwork results you deserve.
Make Sure You Get Solid Recommendations
While the opinions and recommendations of your friends and family are important, these should not be the sole factors you base your contractor hiring decisions on. Check in the the National Association of the Remodelling Industry for a list of members in your area. You can also talk with a building inspector, as they will know first hand which local contractors regularly meet code requirements and which do not. You can also visit a lumberyard, as they will know know which contractors invest in high quality materials and conduct themselves professionally, and who cuts corners and is late on their bills.
Conduct Phone Interviews
Once you have assembled a list of contractors who do the custom millwork project you have in mind, call each one and ask them important questions. Make sure they have experience in and the ability to take on the custom millwork project of the size and specificity you want. See if they are willing to provide both financial references, and a list of previous clients. Find out how long they have worked with their subcontractors. A contractor with long term business relationships as well as solid and past client references is what you want.
Meet Face To Face
Based on the phone interviews pick a few contractors to meet with for estimates and further discussions. It is critical that you and the contractor have enough chemistry to communicate well and that they offer a fair price, but do not let your decision hinge entirely upon a charming personality or a very low price. Check in with your state’s consumer protection agency and your local Better Business Bureau to make sure that your contractor does not have a history of disputes with clients and subcontractors. Also, while low prices can be seductive, they also often imply the kind of corner cutting which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Mahogany, Inc., Your Custom Millwork Company
Mahogany, Inc. is a general contractor specializing in quality construction for projects across a wide range of industries. Located in southwest Baltimore, we employ 100 persons, and are one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the state of Maryland. If you are looking for custom millwork or other amazing wooden installations, then check out our website! Make sure to check back with our blog every week and find us on social media for important updates!