For a certain kind of business, it’s desirable to bring in outside help every once in a while. It’ll enable you to prevent your wage bill from spiralling, and perhaps give you access to skills and expertise that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible.
If you’re considering bringing in a contractor, then there are a few things you might wish to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the more important of them.
Specialist Work
Many contractors will have a general skill set that they can turn to a wide variety of different tasks. Some, however, will have a particular specialisation. Depending on the nature of the work that needs doing, you’ll want to shop around for someone with that particular experience. So, if you need pipework threaded through concrete, you might call in a plumber with experience doing just that. This applies to bigger jobs, too. If you need a school built or a swimming pool built, then you’ll want to make sure that your contractor isn’t attempting the job for the very first time.
Permits and Safety Regulations
A good contractor will be fully qualified and licenced to perform all of the work you’re going to ask of them. This applies particularly to professionals dealing with electricity or gas supplies. If you don’t have the relevant permissions, then you might find that you’re vulnerable to legal expenses. This is where builder’s insurance can be absolutely invaluable.
References and Track Record
If you’re considering hiring an unfamiliar contractor, then it’s vital that you go through their past work, and look for the opinion of previous employers. In many cases, it’s the word of mouth that will have put you in touch with the contractor. Ask whether the contractor has done work of this type, and look into their reputation more broadly. In some cases, you might discover that the recommended contractor actually has done a few jobs where the client wasn’t quite as satisfied.
Budget
Of course, you’ll naturally need to pay for the contractor you hire. This might rule some professionals out. What’s important is that you have an idea of your budget for the contractor and that you stick to it. Bear in mind that really cheap contractors might be of inferior quality – so you’re right to be suspicious if an offer sounds too good to be true.
In budgeting make sure that your account for absolutely everything. This should include materials and labour. Have a signed contract with an agreed budget and timescale, and blueprints attached. That way, if something does go wrong, you’ll be able to settle the dispute, and no one will be tempted to stretch the truth.
