Hiring a Framing Sub-Contractor
When it comes to building construction, one of the most important jobs belongs to the framing sub-contractor. They are needed for the construction of the building’s frame, which essentially makes the rest of the project possible. Because of the integral role they play, finding and hiring a framing contractor is an important step that should receive much time and consideration before you proceed.
As with any service provider, doing some background research is always a good idea so that you know who you are dealing with and have a good idea of their capabilities. You need to know that you can trust those you are hiring. Professionals will receive training from technical schools, so asking about their certification helps you determine their qualifications.
In addition to training, practical experience cannot be overlooked. Those who have done this kind of work over the course of several years should be able to give superior results and will also know how to deal with unexpected situations as they arise. Experienced subcontractors are more likely to provide satisfactory or even exemplary work, particularly if they have a reputation to protect.
You should also be checking the licenses possessed by the sub-contractor to be sure that they have the correct business licenses issued by the appropriate authorities. Be sure to also check that the sub-contractor is properly insured. No matter how many precautions are taken, accidents can and do happen. Workers may suffer injuries, or property may be damaged while completing the work. In the event of an unforeseen occurrence, having comprehensive liability coverage can keep a bad situation from becoming worse.
To recap, hiring a framing sub-contractor is an important step in getting your project completed efficiently and correctly. It is worth taking the time to ensure you are hiring the right person and asking the right questions will help you make your decision.
Here are several questions that you should ask when hiring a framing sub-contractor:
• Are they licensed and insured? This is a fairly obvious one, but still worth checking rather than assuming. They should be licensed, accredited, and insured to reduce your liability.
• How long have they been in business? You want to ensure that the framer has the experience necessary to manage the job properly. If you feel that they have not been operating very long, there is also the next question to consider.
• Can you see some of their past projects? They should have some examples that they can point to as an indication of their work. If they can’t provide references, or seem hesitant to do so, it might be an indication that you need to look elsewhere, especially if you are uncertain about their level of experience.
• Can they provide a fixed start and finish date? It’s important to have a proper, realistic timeline and to know that they can adhere to it. Those with experience should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of how long they will take to complete the job.
No two framing sub-contractors are alike, so you'll want to look into a few different options and home builders in your area. The more you vet the available options, the better the final decision will be, ensuring the success of your framing project.
The team at First Peak Contracting is detail-oriented and has completed dozens of framing sub-contracts in Squamish, Whistler, and on the North Shore under other general contractors. We would be happy to provide a quote for the carpentry & framing for your next bid or project.