Finding the best among the many Muskoka home builders can be the difference between successfully getting your dream home built and a construction nightmare. There are far too many stories of construction disputes to ignore the need to carefully evaluate construction contractor with care. In response to the problem, Muskoka home builders have banded together to form an association which aims to Improve professionalism in the building industry.

What Qualities Do You Look For In a Contractor?

1. Check for appropriate business registration and the company’s standing with the Worker’s Safety and Insurance Board. Make sure the contractor carries insurance sufficient to cover the estimated cost of your dream home project. Never deal with fly by night companies even if they offer to do the job at a much lower price; you could end up with serious construction and even legal issues.

2. A good contractor will have a portfolio of past work for you to check. Ideally the portfolio should include work that at least closely approximates the home project you are about to start in terms of both scale and complexity. It is also helpful if there are past clients who are willing to vouch for the quality of their work.

3. A good measure of a contractor’s ability has to be the resources they can bring to bear on your project. Take resources to mean a sufficient number of properly trained and certified professionals in their staff as well as the availability of appropriate equipment. The less a contractor has to depend on other companies for contractor and equipment, the better they are at delivering on their commitments.

4. Good contractors maintain good relationships with their suppliers. This includes all types of suppliers from material suppliers, suppliers of specialized equipment and service suppliers. Being regarded in a positive light by their suppliers is an indication of a contractor’s ability to live up to its promises. That means they pay on time, so you and your dream home are less likely to end up hostages to a contractor’s dispute with its suppliers.

5. Determine how many years the company has been in the business, especially under its current name. Frequent name changes usually indicate a series of failures. If possible, choose a home builder who has been operating in the Muskoka area for at least the last 5 years.

6. Find a Muskoka home builder who is affiliated with one or more professional organizations. Verify the contractor’s standing with the organizations it claims to be affiliated with.

7. Ask previous clients about a contractor’s record regarding after sales service and warranty work.

8. Find a contractor willing to put the work agreement in writing. Details such as terms of payment, delivery schedules, warranties, and scope of the project should be adequately addressed in a written contract. Every aspect of the project that you can think of should be addressed including who obtains various permits, who clears up the debris, and who coordinates with local government representatives.

While no contract, no matter how detailed, can be 100% risk free taking the time to choose a competent and honest Muskoka home builder goes a long way toward ensuring your dream home becomes a reality.