I’m very proud of what I do. My team and I have worked very hard for many years to come to a point where we feel like we’re on top of our game, and there are very few challenges we can’t take on in the construction field. In fact, I can’t think of one right now. Along the way, though, we’ve all run into some half-baked contracting outfits that shouldn’t be let near a hammer, much less anyone’s building project. And there’s more than a few of them out there.

Here’s five tips that will help you wade through what at times can be a real swamp-

1- Business History.

This is a big one. The character of any company can be judged by it’s business history. How long have they been in business? How many time have they changed their company name? Are they on sound financial ground? Handian maintains a clean and strong business footing. We take this very seriously. We keep a tight control on finances both on the project and within the company. And anyone you’re thinking about doing business with should do the same.

2- Do they rely on subcontractors?

Are the people you hired going to be the people performing the work? In many cases the primary contractor isn’t even familiar with his subs himself. Who are these people? What are their qualifications? Did someone just pick them up in front of a home improvement store? I feel it’s my duty to keep all my projects constructed by my own people, under my supervision. I wouldn’t let anything else be associated with my name and my company.

3- Job Interruptions

Nothing can blow a budget like constant job interruptions. Nothing is as frustrating for a client as losing days of build time for unexplained reasons.

I make it my job to be sure that all phases of planning and construction proceeds smoothly. Of course, there is always a possibility of unforeseen complications.

But Handian’s extremely thorough planning process and tight project oversight minimizes this risk. We also keep our clients closely advised from concept to completion.

4- In-House Design

Some don’t think this is necessary, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. By keeping the design and construction elements under one roof, the entire project moves faster, smoother and better. The Handian team is really a machine. Each piece of it is synchronized with the others. The man at the Design desk is thinking about every other element of construction and how it will move with his design. He knows who will be putting his inspiration into three dimensional form. Any consultation between departments is instant. Questions are resolved quickly. Potential time wasting problems are identified early in the process. Keeping everything under one roof, keeps everything moving efficiently.

5- A face to go with the voice.

Too often, hiring and planning a construction project is a mess of faces and titles. The person you sign the contracts with is not the one who picks up the telephone and not the one on the jobsite.

I make sure I have a personal relationship with every client. I personally am responsible for all aspects of the project and my phone is never switched off or ignored. A client should know who he is dealing with everyday. I make it my business to be accessible, both throughout and after completion of the project.

It would be to any client’s advantage to consider all of the above before starting any Residential or Commercial Construction Project.