Choosing a Trusted Professional to Build Your Garage
At Hammerhead, we take pride in our work and delivering uncompromising quality to our customers. We strive to provide a level of trust that is unmatched and we do this by building the right way and not cutting corners that save a penny today and cost you a dollar tomorrow. Just ask any one of our hundreds of clients that choose Hammerhead to deliver.
Here is how to spot a professional builder to ensure your garage is built right and built to last:
Detailed Quote
Not all quotes are the same. It can be like comparing apples to mangos and being confused about why one contractor's price may be different than the next. While one price may seem enticing, make sure to look over the quote or get a second opinion from someone you trust that has an understanding of construction in order to make sense of what is included in each price. Some contractors may not include everything you are needing, thus they appear better priced at first, but in the end, you are left with an insufficient garage.
At Hammerhead, when we say all-inclusive, we mean "all-inclusive" and we print it right in our quotes so there is no questioning what might and might not be included. Everything is there and the price is the price for a complete garage.
If you are unsure about anything in the quote, just ask us. We are happy to explain any and all line items.
Permitting and Inspections
Is your contractor applying for and supplying the necessary permits for your project? If they don't, you could be in big trouble. Check to make sure that included in your contract, the contractor will be supplying all necessary building and electrical permits. If they ask you to supply them, double-check to make sure the company is a registered and licensed builder as they may be asking you to supply homeowner permits because they are not licensed and thus unable to apply.
Included in permits is a City Inspection at specific stages to ensure the building meets National Building Codes. Inspections are completed at the completion of the framing and again at the completion of the electrical stage by qualified city inspectors. Make sure the contractor agrees to get the inspections completed and ask to have reports delivered to you.
If these steps are skipped, as the homeowner, you may be held liable and possibly fined.
Our team takes care of all of these steps for you. Once you agree to build with us, we apply for all necessary permits with required drawings and specifications. Once the permits are confirmed, we supply you with all documentation for your records including inspection reports for your comfort knowing your garage was built to the highest standards.
Detailed Contract
Make sure the contractor supplies a detailed Contractor Agreement that outlines, at a minimum, the scope of work, payment terms and payment schedule, and Contractor and Client responsibilities. Have the contract signed by both you and the Contractor with the agreed terms and time-stamped so no changes can be made after signing.
Our team uses professional building software to supply every client with a detailed contract for their project. It is digitally signed, time-stamped, and then digitally locked.
Licensed and Insured
Check to make sure the contractor is adequately licensed and insured. Ask the contractor to supply proof of insurance and you can search the municipalities database to make sure they are a licensed contractor.
The easiest way to check is to go to https://apply.calgary.ca/ and follow the steps for the Home Improvement application. Start an application until you reach the page asking who will be building the project, Click "Licensed Contractor" and search for your builder.
BBB Accredited
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-government organization established to enhance marketplace trust and credibility. For over 100 years, BBB has been helping consumers find businesses they can trust with confidence.
Amongst all of the many accreditations, The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is the most recognized and is not a pay-for-play accreditation. BBB holds businesses to the highest ethical practices.
Hammerhead Construction is proud to be a BBB Accredited business, meaning we adhere to the strong business standards and practices set by the organization.
Price Guarantee
Does the Contractor guarantee your price will be final once agreed upon? This is every homeowner's worst nightmare. They receive a very enticing quote for the work, only to find out the contractor doesn't finish the job, cuts corners, or asks for more money to finish the job. If a contractor offers a price significantly lower than anyone else, tread with caution and do a little extra digging.
At Hammerhead, we do guarantee our quotes because we update our pricing on a weekly basis to match current material and labor costs. We don't guess at prices or price low only to earn your business and then bait and switch later. We guarantee your price and assume all risk for any price increases that happen in the markets from that point forward.
We believe Honesty is the Best Policy and once your sign the Building Agreement, your price is locked in.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the key items to look for when choosing your Builder. Our industry is unfortunately a prime target often taken advantage of by a few. We recommend doing your homework on contractors before you decide. Making a decision solely on price may cost you later.