That’s why here at Farrell Construction, we wanted to share some tips on how you can check out potential contractors, and choose the right one for your project.

First of all, it is important to get at least three bids on your project.  Be sure to have all three contractors bid the exact same project so you can compare their prices fairly. All contractors understand they may re-bid a project several times after being awarded the job. If they don’t, then they may be too impatient or too desperate for the job.  In either case, YOU DON’T WANT THIS CONTRACTOR. Chances are, they won’t pay attention to the details of your project, or even worse, may take off with your money.

When the bids are received, look for the contractors who have around the same numbers. Any number that is extremely lower or extremely higher, get rid of. Too low, the contractor may be doing what we call “Low Balling” giving a low price and then adding more money to the bid as the project continues; or the contractor may be cutting too many corners, or may not be qualified for the project. Make sure the scope of work is spelled out in the proposal and contract, including “exclusions.” Just because part of your project has been “excluded” just means a little more work for you in searching for a subcontractor to fill the void, or the contractor may not have received a bid back from a subcontractor at the due date of the bid.

Triple-check any qualifying contractors. Ask for a LOT of references, as well as examples of previous work, and then take the time to thoroughly verify both. If the contractor is great, their customers will be eager to brag about them. If they are horrible, their customers will be eager to steer you away from hiring them, at all costs!! Don’t be afraid to ask multiple questions of previous clients, because chances are they did the same thing when they were hiring a contractor themselves.

Try to pick a local, well-established contractor for your project. This is a more personal preference on our part, but is very important. Just because a contractor isn’t local, doesn’t mean they aren’t legitimate, but it’s important to remember that they have somewhere else to live and don’t have to drive by your project after returning home. The out of town contractor also does not have the local connections that a contractor who lives and works in this area year after year has acquired. And local connections are important, especially for a business owner.

Choosing a new company doesn’t mean that you are hiring someone who isn’t qualified or can’t give you great quality (we all had to start somewhere, and without projects, none of us would ever be “experienced”). However, it’s important to keep in mind that it can be very frustrating to be the victim of the new contractor’s “learning experiences” or mistakes. We all make mistakes, but the question is do you have time to allow them on your next building project? At the end of the day, mistakes happen, but it’s how we admit and deal with them makes that makes the difference. An experienced company should have the track record and the experience needed to avoid any “learning experiences” on your building project.

These are just a few things to keep in mind with selecting a contractor for your next building projects. If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment, and I will be happy to answer them for you.

Farrell Construction Vice President, Cory Farrell points out that not only is the new building larger than the previous structure, but boasts many new amenities as well. “Our team and the assembled sub-contractors have enjoyed working at Frank’s Lounge. With Judy’s help we rebuilt Frank’s back the way it was, so her “friends” felt at home, but also put some new, exciting features in the bar. I am glad the project is wrapping up, but our friendship with Frank’s Lounge and Judy is just beginning.  I will visit often and maybe even get in some karaoke from time to time.”

The new facility is much bigger and will feature hardwood floors for dancing, a brand new bar, and all new, updated facilities. Frank’s Lounge owner Judy Petty sees the Lounge as not only her business for the past 40 years, but her life. It is at Frank’s that she sees her friends, many of whom she considers part of the family.

“I’ve been here for 40 years and a tornado was not going to put me out. That’s not just my business, it’s a meeting place where my friends are,” Petty said. “I’m 70 years old, I’m not going to sit home and deteriorate, my customers are my family, my friends, and I’m going to be there for them.”

Acting on a recommendation of a friend, Petty reached out to Farrell Construction after the tornado, and hasn’t regretted her decision once. “They are a Godsend, they have just been wonderful people to deal with. We are re-opening five months to the day after the tornado hit, and that is QUITE an accomplishment. I know that without Farrell Construction, there’s no way that could have happened.”

“They have gone so far above and beyond just building,” Petty added. “Cory (Farrell) has helped me set up the karaoke, helped set up and learn to use the computer, and is giving me fantastic ideas.”

The project has been a great process for Farrell Construction as well, and Dennis Farrell, President of Farrell Construction has enjoyed the project. “It has been a very good rebuild for us. Judy Petty is an absolute sweet lady, nice to work with, and knows what she wants. We are able to give it to her, and in a quicker timeframe than what she was anticipating.”

Farrell Construction is a family owned and operated company that has been in business since 1976. Founded by the late Carl Farrell and his son, current Farrell Construction President, Dennis Farrell, the company boasts over 30 years of experience in the four-state region. Known for striking a balance between quality, cost, and getting the project done in a timely manner, the professionals at Farrell Construction, know what their customers expect, and deliver it every time.

Farrell Construction President, Dennis Farrell points out that not only is the new building larger than the previous structure, but boasts many new amenities as well. “It’s much bigger and will be really nice with new hardwood floors for dancing, a brand new bar, and all new, updated facilities.”

Frank’s Lounge owner Judy Petty added, “Yes, it will have everything the old bar had and more, only better and brand new.”

Frank’s Lounge was destroyed by the May 22 tornado that ravaged the city, and owner Judy Petty couldn’t wait to get started on reconstruction. Frank’s Lounge has not only been her business for the past 40 years, but her life. It is at Frank’s that she sees her friends, many of whom she considers part of the family.

“I’ve been here for 40 years and a tornado was not going to put me out. That’s not just my business, it’s a meeting place where my friends are,” Petty said. “I’m 70 years old, I’m not going to sit home and deteriorate, my customers are my family, my friends, and I’m going to be there for them.”

Petty’s customers have been there for her during these past few months as well, helping her navigate the rebuilding process, organizing services, and stopping by the house to check in on her. It was a friend that connected her with Farrell Construction.

“I’ve been so pleased with Farrell Construction, and with the entire process. They have such a good crew and are getting the work done,” Petty said. “We have customers and friends stopping by all the time to see how they are coming along, and they are coming along just fine. I’m pleased with the whole deal, they are a great company.”

The project has been a great process for Farrell Construction as well, and Dennis Farrell has enjoyed the project. “It has been a very good rebuild for us. Judy Petty is an absolute sweet lady, nice to work with, and knows what she wants. We are able to give it to her, and in a quicker timeframe than what she was anticipating.”

Farrell Construction is a family owned and operated company that has been in business since 1976. Founded by the late Carl Farrell and his son, current Farrell Construction President, Dennis Farrell, the company boasts over 30 years of experience in the four-state region. Known for striking a balance between quality, cost, and getting the project done in a timely manner, the professionals at Farrell Construction, know what their customers expect, and deliver it every time.

USA Tank is an innovative design-build and services organization specializing in engineering and constructing customized storage systems. With over 30 years of experience, USA Tank provides exceptional expertise and technical knowledge across every phase of a project. USA Tank’s primary objective is to supply, develop and design-build projects with exceptional quality on time and within budget. USA Tank delivers unmatched performance nationwide and is a strong employer in the area. Lee Hodson, USA Tank’s Vice President, is excited to have the project underway.

“I wanted to go with Farrell Construction for this project based on past experience,” Hodson said. “They have worked for me off and on for 10 years on different projects and they deliver quality work.”

“This project is a great opportunity for us to flex our boundaries again and broaden our horizons,” Farrell Construction’s Vice-President and Co-Owner Cory Farrell added. “We are looking forward to the project and to working with Lee Hodson again.

Farrell Construction is a family owned and operated company that has been in business since 1976. Founded by the late Carl Farrell and his son, current Farrell Construction President, Dennis Farrell, the company boasts over 30 years of experience in the four-state region. Known for striking a balance between quality, cost, and getting the project done in a timely manner, the professionals at Farrell Construction, know what their customers expect, and deliver it every time.