Finding a reputable Georgia construction contractor requires doing your homework so that you don’t get stuck with an incompetent or unethical one.

Tips to Hire a Contractor

• Start by checking with those you know, including site inspectors, for contractor recommendations. Also consider companies you’ve done business with before who you were satisfied with. This usually yields the best work at a good price.
• Interview each perspective Georgia construction contractor by phone and ask for references — both to suppliers, and current and past customers. Then call each of the references to find out if the contractor is reliable, how contractor’s crew treats the job site and if the contractor does good work that will hold up over time. Also check with your local Better Business Bureau and your state’s attorney general’s office to make sure no complaints have been filed against the contractor.
• Meet with at least three of the contractors. Meeting in person will allow you to gauge how well you communicate with the contractor and will give the contractor a chance to inspect the job site in person. Communication is the key to a good working relationship with the construction contractor, so don’t leave this step to someone else.
• Ask for bids from at least three of the contractors that you’ve met with. The bid should include specifics of the exact work to be done, a list of all materials including prices and quantities, labor and product costs, and a timetable for the work to be completed. However, do not automatically accept the lowest bid. Remember, you get what you pay for and sometimes the lowest bid isn’t always the best.
• While waiting for the bids to arrive, visit current job sites for the potential contractors to see how each works and to give you an idea of the professionalism of the crew. Also, check with your Secretary of State’s office to see if the contractor is licensed, and carries the proper permits and workman’s comp insurance. A Georgia construction contractor must pass a test with the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
• Once you’ve chosen the contractor that best meets your needs, sign a detailed contract that spells out exactly what will be done, when it will be done including start and end dates, specific materials and costs, a payment schedule, proof of liability insurance and worker’s comp payments, and a requirement for lien releases. This will protect you from all liens from subcontractors and suppliers if the construction contractor fails to pay his bills.
• Never agree to pay for the entire project upfront. Typically, the payment schedule for construction contractors is 10 percent when the contract is signed followed by three payments of 25 percent each spaced out evenly while the work is being done. After these are made, a final payment of 15 percent when the work is finished and completed to your satisfaction.

For a reputable Georgia contractor, contact Alexander Contracting Co., Inc. The third-generation, Columbus, Georgia company provides residential, commercial, industrial, government and institutional clients in West Central Georgia and East Central Alabama with site development and infrastructure services. Projects range in size from $100,000 up to $500 million.

Previous work includes:

• Earthwork such as clearing sites, grading and erosion control.
• Underground utilities including building storm and sanitary sewer systems as well as water systems.
• Street construction including sub-grade preparation, base course, paving, and striping and signage.
• Concrete work, including curbs and gutters, commercial driveways, and concrete paving.

Alexander Contracting also works on state and federal projects involving new and existing roads as well providing budgeting and value engineering for design and building projects.