Have you chosen to build a lake home in Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes area? Then you couldn’t have made a better choice. Crow Wing County is paradise, and each of its shorelines is like a thread of gold.
Since you’re clearly accustomed to making great choices, you’ll certainly want to select the right contractor to build your lake home. First and foremost, that means hiring a contractor that has demonstrated its mastery of the somewhat unique form of construction.
Take our own humble outfit as an example. Our local, award-winning father-and-daughter team has overseen the construction of countless lake homes over the years. Some are understated yet supremely cozy cabins. Others are luxurious architectural marvels that would win the full approval of any Guttenberg or Vanderbilt who sees it.
In short, don’t choose just any contractor to build your lake home. Choose one that specializes in lake homes. With that said, here’s even more you can do to make sure your next contractor is worthy of your patronage.
Hire a Licensed Contractor
A licensed contractor’s principal has demonstrated their knowledge of their craft by passing an exam, and receives continuing education. A licensed contractor also carries liability and property damage insurance, which provides real peace of mind that you won’t get (A) sued, or (B) stuck paying for someone else’s mistake. And if a licensed contractor does something fraudulent, dishonest or otherwise deceptive (heaven forbid), you will be able to avail yourself of the Contractor Recovery Fund.
If you’re considering hiring a contractor, then it should enthusiastically offer its license number to you. Alternatively, you may request a contractor’s license number by calling (800) 342-5354, or by looking it up on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry online database.
Interview Your Contractor
Don’t confirm that your contractor is licensed and then call it a day. Ask how long the contractor has been in business. Ask the contractor for references, and then follow up with those references. Ask the contractor to provide samples of its work that are similar to the project you have in mind. Think of it as a job interview. You are the interviewer, and you want to make certain your interviewee is capable of doing an outstanding job.
Want to go even further? Check the Minnesota Judicial Branch online database to see if a potential contractor has been involved in any recent litigation. Sporadic lawsuits are a normal (and unfortunate) cost of doing business, but a contractor that is constantly in court may not offer the reassurance you are looking for.
Be Wary of Crooks
A lake home construction project is not inexpensive. You want to make absolutely certain you’re not getting taken for a ride, which is why you must remain highly sensitive to signs that a contractor is not how it represents itself. If the contractor’s representative does any of the following, then it could indicate the contractor isn’t on the up and up.
- Does not provide a contract
- Arrives in an unbranded vehicle*
- Does not freely offer references
- Offers discounts or other rewards
- Does not provide a written estimate
- Only provides an out-of-state address
- Engages in high-pressure sales tactics
- Does not freely provide a license number
- Asks you to sign anything other than a contract
- Requests full or large payment before beginning work
- Offers to do the job for an unrealistically (i.e. suspiciously) low price
- Only provides a PO box instead of the address of a physical location
*We don’t mean to disparage handymen who drive unmarked trucks. Many of them have more skill than an entire team of professionals combined. But when it comes to choosing a contractor, you really want one that proudly advertises itself everywhere its vehicles go.
Get a Contract
Minnesota Statute §336.2-201 requires a contract for the sale of goods that have a price of $500 or more. Oral contracts are valid under state law, but they are highly inadvisable for more reasons than we care to go into. All you need to know is this: If you’re building a house, you cannot proceed without a written and signed contract. Here’s what that document must include:
- Detailed summary of all work to be completed by the contractor (and its subcontractors)
- Detailed description of all the materials to be used
- Total price of the project (or, barring that, instructions on how the price will be calculated)
- Payment schedule
- Timeline of the project, including what will occur if the contractor fails to satisfy specified deadlines
- Provision requiring signed change order whenever work deviates from the terms of the contract
Are you eager to choose the right contractor for your Brainerd Lakes area home construction project? Then you can rest assured you’ve already found it. Contact Wensmann Contractors today to request your free estimate!