The last several posts have detailed why it’s important to hire a local contractor for your remodeling or building project, and what you should look for when hiring a contractor. Where does HA Construction fit into all of this? Andy, Lisa and all of the HA Construction employees pride themselves on putting the customer’s needs and desires first; they understand what customers need on many levels from a customer perspective, and approach everything as such.
Customer Needs and Desires
HA Construction clients are purchasing something that doesn’t exist yet, which means they are taking a leap of faith and trusting Andy and his crew to complete the task at hand with optimal results. Aesthetic value is of great importance, regardless of the project, and HA Construction recognizes that. Regardless of whether something functions well, if it doesn’t look good, then it’s isn’t worth it. Working directly with designers, the team combines functionality with visual appeal in everything they produce.
Construction Fatigue
HA Construction also recognizes that any project, no matter how big or small, takes its toll on the client. The repetitive banging of hammers, the squeal of the saw, plastic covers, stomping boots, jabbering subcontractors, dust everywhere…. it’s enough to make anyone feel the need to just pack up and move away from it all. Whether the project last two days or two months doesn’t matter, it still rubs everyone to the core when dealing with the noise and the mess. Andy and his team recognize this and work diligently to keep the inconvenience to a minimum and to finish projects on time (even ahead of schedule, when possible).
Communication
Along those same lines, Andy recognizes the importance of continual communication with clients. He works to provide updates on a regular basis (daily in most cases), not only on progress, but keeping the customer informed of adjustments to the timeline for the project. Information is what the client needs in order to keep “customer fatigue” at bay.
“Clients are like jealous girlfriends,” Andy chuckles. “They want to know why you weren’t there, and who you were with.”
There is immense truth in this tongue-in-cheek statement. If ever Andy and his team are running late to show up to a project or falling behind, the customer wants to understand why – and he or she has every right to know. That’s why keeping the customer informed is a priority for HA Construction.
Payment
While, initially, talking about payment structure in a post regarding HA Construction’s customer values may not have crossed your mind, it’s still an important factor. How the payment structure works says a lot about who a contractor is, how much you can trust him, and how well the company is established. Andy recognizes that, again, the clients are paying for something that doesn’t yet exist, which means they shouldn’t have to fork over tons of funds until they see results.
From that approach, HA Construction generally requires no money down on smaller projects and base payments on larger projects, or periodic draws agreed to in the client contract. The company never asks for money upfront before a project has begun. Andy takes the approach that, if clients are going to trust him to produce quality work for something that doesn’t yet exist, then he’s going to return the compliment and trust clients to pay.
Andy and his team recognize that you have many choices available to you when it comes to hiring a contractor in the Springfield area. Please put HA Construction on the list of possibilities you’re considering and call Andy today; once you meet him in person and witness his passion first-hand, you won’t be disappointed.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
What To Look For When Hiring A Contractor / Construction Company
As we continue to examine the rebuilding process for Joplin tornado victims, and have touched on the potential for crooks that could take advantage of Joplin residents, it’s a good idea to know just what you should be looking for as you examine potential contractors for your project. Even if you don’t live in Joplin, you could still be victim of a scam artist, who will walk away with your money and leave your project unfinished and in a dangerous state.
Financial Commitment
As mentioned in the post on hiring a local contractor, you want to make sure that the person or company you hire is well-established financially. The way payments are approached is a good indicator. Ask up front whether a down payment is necessary and how much if so. As a general rule, a contractor should not need more than 1/3 down when it comes to large projects; projects under $10,000 should need no down payment in the beginning, but rather, payments after stages of the project are complete.
Registration
Check out a company’s registration on all fronts to make sure it is legit. Start with state and city licensing. You can look up Missouri business registrations on the Secretary of State website. Check the status of a Springfield business license on the city website. Not only should you look at the status of the company’s business registration, but how many years it’s been in good standing. The longer a business has a good status, the more trustworthy it is.
Check the Chamber of Commerce for the area the business is located in. While not all businesses are members of their local chamber, those that are members are typically more financially secure and are focused on the community. In other words, usually only legitimate businesses will bother becoming chamber members because there is a lot of accountability there. The following are the business directories for area chambers:
Another resource to check out is the Southwest Missouri Better Business Bureau Accredited Directory. Again, not every business applies for accreditation with the BBB, but those that do are committed to providing trustworthy and loyal service because they are held accountable.
An additional option is to search BBB reviews, keeping in mind that finding no results is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, finding results on the reviews search means that the business has been reported to the BBB for failing to provide adequate service in a substantial way (i.e. scamming someone).
References
Ask every contractor you talk to for at least five references, including contact information. If the contractor or company is unable to provide you with references, then it likely doesn’t have first rate testimonials available for you – a clear indication you don’t want that company on the job.
Once you have references, don’t just take the contractor's word for it that they are legit and have good things to say – call every one of them. Get as much information as possible by asking questions like the following:
Insurance
Ask for proof of insurance. In fact, you may even ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy so that you know the company has optimal coverage, and not just the bare minimum.
Presence
Look up the company’s website (it’s a red flag if there isn’t one). The quality of the website is a reflection upon the business. In this day of booming technology, if a company doesn’t have a well-crafted website with informative content, then marketing and branding are not a priority. If these things aren’t a priority, then the company isn’t looking to maximize success.
Also look into the contractor’s social media presence. These days, a Facebook business page or LinkedIn account is just as critical to marketing and branding as a website. Not to mention the fact that once a company’s Facebook page is well established, it will be plastered with comments from clients, which means you have direct insight into how the company treats people.
These are simply starting points. Meet with contractors one-on-one and make sure that your personalities mesh. If you can’t be heard and won’t get along, then it simply doesn’t matter how great the references are or that the business is BBB-accredited. You, the customer, should always be the priority.
Financial Commitment
As mentioned in the post on hiring a local contractor, you want to make sure that the person or company you hire is well-established financially. The way payments are approached is a good indicator. Ask up front whether a down payment is necessary and how much if so. As a general rule, a contractor should not need more than 1/3 down when it comes to large projects; projects under $10,000 should need no down payment in the beginning, but rather, payments after stages of the project are complete.
Registration
Check out a company’s registration on all fronts to make sure it is legit. Start with state and city licensing. You can look up Missouri business registrations on the Secretary of State website. Check the status of a Springfield business license on the city website. Not only should you look at the status of the company’s business registration, but how many years it’s been in good standing. The longer a business has a good status, the more trustworthy it is.
Check the Chamber of Commerce for the area the business is located in. While not all businesses are members of their local chamber, those that are members are typically more financially secure and are focused on the community. In other words, usually only legitimate businesses will bother becoming chamber members because there is a lot of accountability there. The following are the business directories for area chambers:
- Nixa, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
- Springfield, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
- Ozark, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
- Republic, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
- Willard, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
Another resource to check out is the Southwest Missouri Better Business Bureau Accredited Directory. Again, not every business applies for accreditation with the BBB, but those that do are committed to providing trustworthy and loyal service because they are held accountable.
An additional option is to search BBB reviews, keeping in mind that finding no results is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, finding results on the reviews search means that the business has been reported to the BBB for failing to provide adequate service in a substantial way (i.e. scamming someone).
References
Ask every contractor you talk to for at least five references, including contact information. If the contractor or company is unable to provide you with references, then it likely doesn’t have first rate testimonials available for you – a clear indication you don’t want that company on the job.
Once you have references, don’t just take the contractor's word for it that they are legit and have good things to say – call every one of them. Get as much information as possible by asking questions like the following:
- Rate overall satisfaction with the contractor and the job on a scale from 1-10
- Was the project finished in a timely manner or did you have to deal with delays?
- Did the workers clean up after themselves and maintain a safe worksite?
- What was the difference between the final cost of the project and the estimate the contractor initially provided?
- Was the contractor you initially spoke with directly involved with the project?
- Would you use this contractor/company again?
Insurance
Ask for proof of insurance. In fact, you may even ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy so that you know the company has optimal coverage, and not just the bare minimum.
Presence
Look up the company’s website (it’s a red flag if there isn’t one). The quality of the website is a reflection upon the business. In this day of booming technology, if a company doesn’t have a well-crafted website with informative content, then marketing and branding are not a priority. If these things aren’t a priority, then the company isn’t looking to maximize success.
Also look into the contractor’s social media presence. These days, a Facebook business page or LinkedIn account is just as critical to marketing and branding as a website. Not to mention the fact that once a company’s Facebook page is well established, it will be plastered with comments from clients, which means you have direct insight into how the company treats people.
These are simply starting points. Meet with contractors one-on-one and make sure that your personalities mesh. If you can’t be heard and won’t get along, then it simply doesn’t matter how great the references are or that the business is BBB-accredited. You, the customer, should always be the priority.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Why Joplin Tornado Victims Should Hire A Local Contractor
While clean up is going to take awhile, after an F-5 tornado wiped out nearly 8,000 buildings in Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, once residents start to rebuild, they’ll need some help. Construction companies and contractors are going to start coming out of the rubble, if they haven’t already, offering low quotes and amazing service, but they aren’t all they appear to be.
How Traveling Contractors Woo You
You probably approach every meeting for your construction needs with the assumption that you’ll be able to distinguish the trustworthy companies from the swindlers. However, many people aren’t prepared for how good a traveling contractor presents himself. He’ll say things like “we’ve set up an office right here in Joplin” to make you believe the company’s around for the long haul; and they may even have a small travel trailer or RV based as an office – something that can be easily uprooted.
The big head turner, however, is when these fly-by-night contractors tell you they can complete your project cheaper than anyone else can. Let’s say you’re getting $45,000 from your homeowners insurance company to cover repairs to your home after the Joplin tornado. Scamming contractors will come in and tell you they can complete the project for $35,000 – and suddenly you’re envisioning a new jet ski too (or something more practical, such as paying off other debts).
They’re In It For The Money
The unfortunate truth, however, is that many of these out-of-town contractors are only in it for the money. Many times these construction companies will ask you for a down payment (often up to half of the project total or more) to start on the job. Truth is, if they need money up front to pay for the job, then the company isn’t very well established.
You’ll notice a lack of commitment once the project starts, such as arriving late, missing entire days of work, or claiming to have other projects to balance. Then, the unthinkable happens – you’ve paid the contractor over half of the project fees, the project is only a quarter of the way done, he hasn’t showed up for days and won’t return your calls.
You just got swindled. He took your money, and ran.
Why A Local Contractor Is Better
Admittedly, some out of town companies may, in fact, have the compassion, resources and expertise to legitimately help Joplin tornado victims rebuild, but once the project is over, they move on to the next job in the next town, and you’re left on your own if something comes up. With a local construction company, you’re able to build a relationship with the contractor. Trust becomes the foundation for your business dealings and you learn how to work together so future projects are completed more efficiently.
HA Construction, and other Joplin area construction companies and contractors, are focused on the community. They want to help those close to home because the impact of the Joplin tornado may directly affect them and those they care about. Even if these companies don’t know someone affected, something that happens so close to home really resonates on a personal level.
Adversely, fly-by-night contractors flock to locations devastated by natural disasters, such as Joplin, Missouri, looking to make an extra buck. Then they’re off and running to another project following a different tragedy. Additionally, even after the project is complete, trustworthy local contractors are there for you to answer questions, follow-up and make sure everything is to your expectations.
Don’t go with just anyone to help you rebuild your life after the devastation of the Joplin tornado, or any other home repair/renovation project. Know the important information to look for when choosing a contractor, like HA Construction, to ensure that you and your family are well taken care of.
How Traveling Contractors Woo You
You probably approach every meeting for your construction needs with the assumption that you’ll be able to distinguish the trustworthy companies from the swindlers. However, many people aren’t prepared for how good a traveling contractor presents himself. He’ll say things like “we’ve set up an office right here in Joplin” to make you believe the company’s around for the long haul; and they may even have a small travel trailer or RV based as an office – something that can be easily uprooted.
The big head turner, however, is when these fly-by-night contractors tell you they can complete your project cheaper than anyone else can. Let’s say you’re getting $45,000 from your homeowners insurance company to cover repairs to your home after the Joplin tornado. Scamming contractors will come in and tell you they can complete the project for $35,000 – and suddenly you’re envisioning a new jet ski too (or something more practical, such as paying off other debts).
They’re In It For The Money
The unfortunate truth, however, is that many of these out-of-town contractors are only in it for the money. Many times these construction companies will ask you for a down payment (often up to half of the project total or more) to start on the job. Truth is, if they need money up front to pay for the job, then the company isn’t very well established.
You’ll notice a lack of commitment once the project starts, such as arriving late, missing entire days of work, or claiming to have other projects to balance. Then, the unthinkable happens – you’ve paid the contractor over half of the project fees, the project is only a quarter of the way done, he hasn’t showed up for days and won’t return your calls.
You just got swindled. He took your money, and ran.
Why A Local Contractor Is Better
Admittedly, some out of town companies may, in fact, have the compassion, resources and expertise to legitimately help Joplin tornado victims rebuild, but once the project is over, they move on to the next job in the next town, and you’re left on your own if something comes up. With a local construction company, you’re able to build a relationship with the contractor. Trust becomes the foundation for your business dealings and you learn how to work together so future projects are completed more efficiently.
HA Construction, and other Joplin area construction companies and contractors, are focused on the community. They want to help those close to home because the impact of the Joplin tornado may directly affect them and those they care about. Even if these companies don’t know someone affected, something that happens so close to home really resonates on a personal level.
Adversely, fly-by-night contractors flock to locations devastated by natural disasters, such as Joplin, Missouri, looking to make an extra buck. Then they’re off and running to another project following a different tragedy. Additionally, even after the project is complete, trustworthy local contractors are there for you to answer questions, follow-up and make sure everything is to your expectations.
Don’t go with just anyone to help you rebuild your life after the devastation of the Joplin tornado, or any other home repair/renovation project. Know the important information to look for when choosing a contractor, like HA Construction, to ensure that you and your family are well taken care of.
Friday, June 3, 2011
HA Construction Is Available For Joplin Tornado Recovery Efforts
On May 22, 2011 an F-5 tornado that reached over ¾ of a mile wide (one of the deadliest in the history of the nation) ravished the town of Joplin, Missouri, leaving 142 (as of May 28th) lives lost and over a third of the town in utter ruin. As families work to literally rebuild their lives from the ground up, there will be many that come across their path to help. The outreach to the community has already been utterly overwhelming, but help is still needed and will be for months to come.
We’re Here to Help
HA Construction-Design of Nixa, Missouri is among the many businesses ready and willing to offer volunteer services to Joplin residents in need. More importantly, on a ministry level, HA Construction-Design would like to reach out to those that find themselves in over their heads with the need for repairs and rebuilding after this devastating tornado.
Andy Flint and his team are eager to do whatever is needed (from hauling off debris to securing windows and roofs) for those that may be falling through the cracks during the Joplin recovery efforts, such as the elderly, single mothers and handicapped individuals that just don’t have the means to do it all alone. What about people that didn’t have adequate insurance coverage to take care of the thousands of dollars in repair and rebuilding costs? HA Construction-Design is more than willing to help these individuals, too.
HA Construction-Design also wants to aid in the Joplin recovery process by teaming up with local churches and organizations as they arrange joint efforts with multiple businesses and volunteers.
How We’ll Make it Happen
Current and future clients might be wondering how HA Construction-Design plans to help with Joplin tornado recovery efforts and still be available to everyone else. It’s simply a matter of designating a day to help and shifting current project schedules a bit to accommodate that – and Andy has no doubt that HA Construction-Design's clients will be more than willing to share a little construction time with those in need.
Handling the extra workload in order to volunteer in Joplin is a process of communicating with subcontractors to make sure they are also willing, and able, to help. Additionally, Andy and Lisa realize that HA Construction-Design's employees still need to bring money home for their families and can’t necessarily afford to take a day off without pay, no matter how much they want to help – which is why HA Construction-Design is more than willing to pay its employees to help with Joplin recovery efforts.
In conclusion, Andy and Lisa Flint, the subcontractors and employees of HA Construction-Design are ready and willing to help with Joplin tornado recovery efforts and start the process for rebuilding lives. Contact Andy directly at (417) 224-2129 to see what HA Construction-Design can do to help you.
We’re Here to Help
HA Construction-Design of Nixa, Missouri is among the many businesses ready and willing to offer volunteer services to Joplin residents in need. More importantly, on a ministry level, HA Construction-Design would like to reach out to those that find themselves in over their heads with the need for repairs and rebuilding after this devastating tornado.
Andy Flint and his team are eager to do whatever is needed (from hauling off debris to securing windows and roofs) for those that may be falling through the cracks during the Joplin recovery efforts, such as the elderly, single mothers and handicapped individuals that just don’t have the means to do it all alone. What about people that didn’t have adequate insurance coverage to take care of the thousands of dollars in repair and rebuilding costs? HA Construction-Design is more than willing to help these individuals, too.
HA Construction-Design also wants to aid in the Joplin recovery process by teaming up with local churches and organizations as they arrange joint efforts with multiple businesses and volunteers.
How We’ll Make it Happen
Current and future clients might be wondering how HA Construction-Design plans to help with Joplin tornado recovery efforts and still be available to everyone else. It’s simply a matter of designating a day to help and shifting current project schedules a bit to accommodate that – and Andy has no doubt that HA Construction-Design's clients will be more than willing to share a little construction time with those in need.
Handling the extra workload in order to volunteer in Joplin is a process of communicating with subcontractors to make sure they are also willing, and able, to help. Additionally, Andy and Lisa realize that HA Construction-Design's employees still need to bring money home for their families and can’t necessarily afford to take a day off without pay, no matter how much they want to help – which is why HA Construction-Design is more than willing to pay its employees to help with Joplin recovery efforts.
In conclusion, Andy and Lisa Flint, the subcontractors and employees of HA Construction-Design are ready and willing to help with Joplin tornado recovery efforts and start the process for rebuilding lives. Contact Andy directly at (417) 224-2129 to see what HA Construction-Design can do to help you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)