Five Things to Look for in a Cabin Contractor

So you have made the decision to hire a cabin contractor to build your new cabin or lake home. Congrats! It is a very exciting time. Now what? Before you make that call to set up an appointment, read out blog and learn about the five things to look for in a cabin contractor.

1.Does the business have a business office and a staff?

A building contractor’s most prized possession should be images and samples of their finished work. It is important that a cabin contractor showcase design/build images for potential clients so they can get ideas of what it is they want in their new cabin or lake home. A cabin contractor should have samples of their finished work as the lake home cabin design/build category is a very visual. It is much more impactful to see images on the wall or in a book, then on a mobile device. What better place to display photos of new cabin build and remodeled spaces that at a physical office location. Not only is the office space a place to meet to discuss a project, it is a place for staff to work on day-to-day projects. Communication is key to a successful cabin design/build projects. Staff needs to collaborate on an ongoing basis to ensure all project managers and staff work together synergistically to accomplish the end result. What’s more, is a physical office is a place to sit down and discuss a future design/build project.

2. Does the contractor have proof of insurance?

Now this is very important. License and insurance go hand in hand. This is because to obtain the former; you need to have the latter. Contractors with both are most likely to do a quality job the first time because builds that are not up to contract standards might cost them their license. Be sure they have both liability and workers compensation. Most importantly, not only do you want to make sure the insurance exists, you want to make sure it’s valid! There’s nothing wrong with trusting people and what they say, but there’s too much of a risk involved here to simply take your contractor’s word for it. Consequently, you should wrap up your “homework” by contacting the insurance agency to verify that the policies are still and will be in effect throughout the schedule of the build.

3. Do they have a written warranty?

First let’s establish what a warranty means to the customer. This is a promise from the contractor to the customer to cover unforseeable issues with products and services that may need additional help and/or repair. The cabin contractor should go over each line item to discuss what is covered in the warranty and how long the warranty is in effect. For example, a one-year builder’s warranty for new construction will often cover workmanship and materials. A two-year warranty will most likely cover HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. On average, builder’s warranties will last between six months and two years.

4. Does the cabin contractor have a website?

Much like a physical office, a website is proof and an endorsement of the cabin contractor. It is a way for cabin contractors to display their work, communicate with their customers, highlight what is unique and noteworthy about their business. The website is the gateway, door, and welcome mat of a business. It should educate the consumer as well as elicit emotion. It is the very first impression that will be made on the consumer and can determine with certainty whether the consumer will continue engagement. What’s more is you will know that the cabin contractor you are researching exists. It’s Your Digital Brochure. At its basic core, a website replaces a brochure.

5. Does the Cabin Contractor have a good design/build process?

A professional cabin contractor should have an easy and comprehensive process. For custom homes, significant renovations or remodels and home additions, the process begins with plan development. Once you have entered a design agreement, your designer will work with you to realize your vision and develop a detailed plan. Typically, this will require a few in-person meetings and some collaboration via phone or Internet. A easy process involves discussing customer requirements, preferences and budget upfront, then develop project plans based on these factors. 

In conclusion, being prepared and educated before hiring a cabin contractor will make a huge difference in terms of how satisfied and happy you are with the end results. For a complimentary consultation, give us a call! We are happy to discuss your new cabin build or remodel project.