Civil Engineers & General Contractors.

Building a new home, adding a room, or just sprucing up the kitchen can be exciting, but the day to day hassles of construction are stressful and better left to the contractors. A civil engineer or contractor will manage all aspects of the job to ensure it's completed on schedule and to your satisfaction. Trying to find building contractors for a new construction, or a renovation contractor to spruce up your existing place can be a task, start by understanding their role in the project. Read more below for a list of must-ask questions.

Why should I hire a contractor or civil engineer?

Civil engineers or building contractors, often play the role of a project manager. They oversee the entire remodeling or new home construction project and facilitate all day-to-day tasks that move it toward completion. Construction contractors can be involved from an early stage and can work closely with the architect to review plans, arrange for permits and inspections etc. In addition, general contractors are responsible for hiring subcontractors for the majority of jobs, such as electrical work, painting or plumbing. Most importantly, contractors should be on-site regularly to inspect the progress and resolve issues and track progress.

Civil engineer companies play a very important role in construction and renovation. Finding the right contract is key to building your dream home.

How do I find a good contractor?

Finding a dedicated contractor to build or renovate your home can be a challenge. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to delays, bad quality of work and even legal problems. To avoid such problems, it's essential that you do your homework before deciding on the right general contractor. Research civil engineers and contractors on Houzz, look through their work and read reviews to understand their style before you reach out to them for bid or quotes. One you have narrowed down your choices, meet with them to discuss a few aspects like the details of your project, the budget and the timelines. Also, always insist on having a written agreement before getting started on the project.

Questions to ask your general contractor or civil engineer

• How long have you been in the civil engineering or contract business?
  
• How many projects like mine have you completed?
  
• Who will be working on the project?
  
• What qualities do you look for in your subcontractors?
  
• Can you provide me with references?
  
• Are you licensed and insured?
  
• Are there any concerns you foresee with this project?
  
• How do you charge, and what does that include?
  
• Can I see samples of the materials?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate?
  
• What do your services include?
  
• How long will you need to complete the project?
  
• What will I need to provide?
  

Find a good contractor or civil engineer on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Find Pros section of the website to contractors. You can also search for photos and contact the contractor who worked on the project.