When it comes to hiring a pole barn or steel building contractor, making the wrong choice could mean being stuck in a bad situation with no way out. If they have poor customer service or communication, you’ll be pulling your hair out trying to get a response to your questions. If their quality of work is lacking, you’ll be fighting to have them come back and fix problems long after they are finished.
This is why it’s so important to do your research on potential pole barn or steel building contractors before hiring one. Even if they give you the lowest bid for the project and you look for home improvement financing, you should carefully check references and reviews before hiring. Keep reading for tips on how to do just that.
4 Things to Check Before Hiring a Pole Barn and Steel Building Contractor
1. Ask the Contractor for References
Don’t feel awkward asking a pole barn or steel building contractor for references. Try to get the phone number of at least three former customers. Here are a few good questions to ask when you call those references.
- What kind of work did the contractor do for you?
- Did they communicate and respond in a timely manner during the project?
- Did they stay within your budget, and if not, why didn’t they?
- Did they finish in the time they said they would?
- Have you used this contractor more than once, or would you use them again?
2. Ask for a Portfolio of Work
Asking a pole barn or steel building contractor for a portfolio of their past work is important for several reasons. First, it provides tangible evidence of the contractor’s experience and expertise in constructing similar structures. By reviewing their portfolio, you can assess the quality of their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and adherence to deadlines.
Also, a portfolio allows you to visualize the contractor’s capabilities and see if their style aligns with your preferences and project requirements. Furthermore, examining past projects can help identify any potential red flags or areas of concern before committing to hiring the contractor, enabling you to make a more informed decision about who to trust with your construction project.
Ultimately, requesting a portfolio of work is a valuable tool for evaluating the contractor’s suitability and ensuring confidence in their ability to deliver satisfactory results.
3. Check Reviews and More
Use obvious review websites like Facebook, Google reviews, or Yelp to find the reviews you need. Reading through reviews can give you a great idea of who the company is, the kind of work it does, and how it treats its customers. Also, if you Google the company’s name + “lawsuit,” you can find out if anyone has sued the business before.
4. Check for License and Insurance
It’s completely within your right to ask the pole barn or steel building contractor for proof of their license. After you see the actual certificate, double-check by contacting the licensing entity. It’s also important to ask the company if all of their subcontractors are licensed. If your barn or building will need electricity or plumbing, it’s likely there will be subcontractors working on your property as well.
Reputable contractors should carry liability insurance in case your property is damaged during their work. They should also carry workers’ compensation insurance in case an employee is injured on your property. Checking for a contractor’s insurance coverage will protect you if either of these unfortunate events were to happen during the project.
Get Quick and Simple Pole Barn Financing or Steel Building Financing
Since you’ll be taking the time to research contractor references and reviews, give yourself a break and leave your pole barn financing to HFS Financial. We make getting a pole barn or steel building loan fast and easy and offer competitive home improvement loan rates. 60 seconds is all the time you’ll need to apply, and HFS Financial will take care of the rest. When it comes to pole barns or steel buildings, at HFS Financial, “You Dream It, We Finance It!”