The Role and Requirements for a General Contractor in Tampa, Florida

Many homeowners in Florida are comfortable with hiring a handyman or specialist for specific home-related jobs. This would include smaller tasks such as replacing a toilet, laying new flooring or installing a generator. Yet, for bigger jobs, such as a kitchen remodel, the work quickly becomes significantly more complicated. In projects such as this, several specialists are hired to complete the different parts of the job. However, most jobs build on one another and therefore must be scheduled in a particular order. It is the responsibility of the general contractor in Florida, to schedule each specialist in the correct order and to ensure that all jobs are completed with ease and success. Each subcontractor, from the plumber, to the flooring specialist, to the person fitting the cupboards, needs to be managed and coordinated correctly.

 

The Role of a General Contractor

This is where the skills of a general contractor come to the forefront. It is their responsibility to assess the full scope of the project from the very initial meeting with the homeowner. The GC is responsible for devising the project plan to ensure its successful completion within the estimated timeframe and budget.

General contractors also serve as the primary point of contact for all subcontractors and the client. To manage this successfully, you will need to have a good understanding of all aspects of home remodeling and be able to answer any questions that the homeowner has. This includes insights into the specific types of needed building materials and the skill level and number of workers that will be required for the job. You will also need to manage the client’s expectations by providing a realistic timeline for completion as well as pulling the necessary building permits. This will ensure the project is completed safely and within specifications.

Why Up-to-Date Paperwork and a Contract is So Important for a General Contractor

A contract is a binding legal agreement guaranteeing a service between two (or more) people. As a general contractor, when you sign a contract, you agree to fulfil the demands of that contract. In the case of a home re-model, as the general contractor, you are in-charge of the construction site. You should use the contract, that both you and the client have agreed to, as a blueprint or reference for all aspects of the job.

The goal is to meet the terms of the contract and ensure that the client is satisfied with your work. In the event of a dispute with the client, having a robust contract in place will govern the specifics and hopefully clarify any discrepancies over what was agreed upon.

Nevertheless, the contract will only be valid if your paperwork is up-to-date. This may mean pulling the relevant permits and filing for licenses, renewals and annual reports yourself. Many general contractors in Florida choose to work with Contractors Reporting Services to manage their paperwork needs. We work hard to ensure that all documents are current and in place, so that you can focus on running the day-to-day operations of your business.

Ultimately, as a general contractor in Tampa, Florida it is your job to oversee the daily operations of a project as well as operating as the point of contact for all parties. Your overarching goal is to complete the project according to the specifications of the signed contract while ensuring that all necessary paperwork is in order. This will guarantee that the contract is valid and will safeguard your business in the event of a dispute.

The next post was originally published to The Role and Requirements for a General Contractor in Tampa, Florida and is courtesy of Contractors Reporting Services. Find more on:} Contractors Reporting Services

The Best Way to Win the Job as a General Contractor in Florida

Your job as a general contractor in Florida is to simplify the construction or remodeling process for the homeowner. In many cases, homeowners have had a bad experience or have heard horror stories by a friend who’s had a remodeling project go badly. This is usually due to an unreliable general contractor. Therefore, the best way to win a job is to build the customer’s confidence in your business. They are more likely to choose your services if you answer their questions, ensure your paperwork is in order, share good references, offer a written estimate and set up clear terms of payment.

 

1. Answer All Their Questions Quickly and Efficiently

The way that you conduct yourself in your dealings with the client, gives them a good idea of what they can expect for the rest of the project. Prior to the homeowner signing with you, ensure that you answer all their questions as fully and as quickly as possible. This will allow the client to see how you will conduct yourself as their advocate once the contract has been signed.

Answer all questions thoroughly and make it easy for them to understand. Homeowners want to be confident that they comprehend the implications for the project. For example, they want to know their expected cost and the estimated timeline for the project. Be as transparent about the whole process as possible, so that your client feels comfortable moving forward with you at the reins.

2. Ensure That All Your Paperwork is in Order

A homeowner or building owner, especially for larger projects, will do their due diligence researching your company. Therefore, it is essential that you have all your paperwork in order. This means ensuring that you are up to date with all licensing and insurance requirements. This can be managed yourself or outsourced to experts such as Contractors Reporting Services. The necessary documents include:

· Local license registration and renewals

· Workers compensation exemptions

· Workers compensation coverage

· Financial stability reviews

· Corporation set-up and amendments

· Annual reports

· Business tax registrations and renewals

3. Share Your Best References

Your client is trusting, when they sign a contract with you, that it is going to be a stress-free experience. You can move them closer to signing by supplying written and telephonic references if necessary. By being pro-active in this part of the process you gain more control over who the client listens to, as well as reinforcing why your business would be the best choice. Draw up a list of good references in advance and share contacts who are relevant when asked. Relevant contacts would be the satisfied clients for whom you have completed similar work in the past.

4. Be Willing to Offer Estimates in Writing

Offer a free estimate in writing and provide it to the client as soon as possible. Be sure to include as much detail as you can, so that when the client is comparing quotes from different contractors, they can make direct comparisons for like services. Here you should include a list of products to be used (be specific including product names and part numbers for premium products), the services that are included and the cost of labor. You should also be upfront about the project’s timeline and any milestones.

5. Set Up Clear, Fair Payment Terms

When setting up the terms of the contract, one way you can grow the client’s trust is to clearly and systematically detail how and when they will need to pay. Typically, at the start, you would request a percentage be put down by the customer and then payments would be released in increments as the milestones are completed. A sign of a reputable contractor is being willing to work until the job is complete prior to requesting the final payment.

By following these five best practices, as a licensed general contractor in Florida, you give yourself the best chance of being chosen as the winning bid for a contract.

The following post was first published on The Best Way to Win the Job as a General Contractor in Florida and is courtesy of Contractors Reporting Services. Read more on:} Contractors Reporting Services