Art Deco Contractors Corp.

FAQs

What are the different types of construction contracts?

  1. Lump sum contract: This is a fixed price contract in which the contractor agrees to complete the project for a single, agreed-upon price. The owner is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and approvals.

  2. Cost plus contract: This is a cost-reimbursement contract in which the contractor is reimbursed for all direct project costs, plus a fee for their services. The fee is typically a percentage of the total project cost.

  3. Time and materials contract: This is a contract in which the contractor is paid based on the number of hours worked and the materials used. The contract may include a cap on the total amount that can be billed.

  4. Unit price contract: This is a contract in which the contractor is paid a fixed price for each unit of work completed, such as a price per square foot of concrete poured.

  5. Design-build contract: This is a contract in which the contractor is responsible for both the design and construction of the project.

  6. Management contract: This is a contract in which the contractor is responsible for managing the construction project, but does not actually perform the work.

  7. Guaranteed maximum price contract: This is a contract in which the contractor agrees to complete the project for a guaranteed maximum price, with any cost savings being shared between the owner and the contractor.

How do I calculate the cost of a construction project?

To calculate the cost of a construction project, you will need to consider several factors, including:

 

  1. The scope of work: You will need to clearly define the work that needs to be done, including any demolition, excavation, grading, materials, labor, and any other work that is required.

  2. The cost of materials: You will need to obtain estimates for the cost of all materials that will be needed for the project, including lumber, concrete, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and any other materials.

  3. The cost of labor: You will need to factor in the cost of labor, including the wages of workers, benefits, and any other costs associated with hiring workers.

  4. Overhead and profit: You will also need to include a percentage for overhead and profit in your cost estimates. Overhead includes indirect costs such as office expenses, insurance, and equipment rentals, while profit is the amount that the contractor expects to make on the project.

To calculate the total cost of a construction project, you will need to add together the cost of materials, labor, overhead, and profit. It is also a good idea to build in a contingency for unexpected costs that may arise during the project.

How do I get a construction loan?

To get a construction loan, you will typically need to follow these steps:

 

  1. Determine your budget: Before you start looking for a construction loan, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you can afford to borrow. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t take on more debt than you can handle.

  2. Find a lender: There are many lenders that offer construction loans, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the best deal.

  3. Prepare your financial documents: To apply for a construction loan, you will need to provide a variety of financial documents to the lender. This may include proof of income, tax returns, credit history, and a detailed construction budget.

  4. Submit a loan application: Once you have gathered all of the necessary documents, you can submit a loan application to the lender. The lender will review your application and, if approved, will provide you with a loan offer outlining the terms and conditions of the loan.

  5. Review and negotiate the loan offer: Before accepting a loan offer, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions to ensure that they meet your needs and budget. If you need to, you can negotiate the terms of the loan with the lender.

  6. Close on the loan: Once you have accepted the loan offer and signed the loan documents, you can close on the loan and start using the funds to finance your construction project.

How do I get a permit for a construction project?

To get a permit for a construction project, you will typically need to follow these steps:

 

  1. Determine what type of permit you need: Different types of construction projects may require different permits. For example, building a new home may require a building permit, while making renovations to an existing home may require a remodeling permit. It’s important to determine what type of permit you need before you start the application process.

  2. Check local zoning laws: Before you can obtain a permit, you will need to ensure that your construction project is in compliance with local zoning laws. This may include requirements related to the size, height, and use of the building.

  3. Submit an application: To apply for a permit, you will need to submit an application to your local building department or other permitting agency. The application should include detailed plans and specifications for the project, as well as any other required documents.

  4. Pay any required fees: There may be fees associated with obtaining a permit, which will need to be paid before the permit can be issued.

  5. Wait for the permit to be issued: Once you have submitted your application and paid any required fees, you will need to wait for the permit to be issued. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the permitting agency.

  6. Begin construction: Once you have received your permit, you can begin construction on your project. It’s important to follow all local building codes and regulations to ensure that your project is completed safely and legally.

How do I choose the right contractor for my project?

Here are some tips for choosing the right contractor for your construction project:

 

  1. Get recommendations: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations for contractors they have worked with in the past. You can also check with local trade organizations or the Better Business Bureau for contractors with a good reputation.

  2. Research their experience: Look for contractors with experience working on projects similar to yours. This will help ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete your project successfully.

  3. Check their credentials: Make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damage that occurs during the construction process.

  4. Get estimates from multiple contractors: It’s a good idea to get estimates from multiple contractors so that you can compare prices and services. Make sure to provide each contractor with the same set of plans and specifications to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples.

  5. Ask for references: Ask the contractors for references from previous clients, and follow up by contacting these references to get a sense of their experience working with the contractor.

  6. Sign a written contract: Once you have chosen a contractor, be sure to sign a written contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and payment terms. This will help protect both you and the contractor and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

How do I ensure that a construction project is completed on time and within budget?

Here are some tips for ensuring that a construction project is completed on time and within budget:

 

  1. Clearly define the scope of work: It’s important to have a clear and detailed plan for the construction project, including a list of all materials and tasks that need to be completed. This will help ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

  2. Set realistic timelines: Make sure to set realistic timelines for each phase of the project, taking into account any potential delays that may arise.

  3. Communicate regularly with the contractor: Make sure to stay in close communication with the contractor throughout the construction process. This will help ensure that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner and that the project stays on track.

  4. Manage change orders: Change orders are requests to alter the scope of work in a construction contract. It’s important to manage change orders carefully to ensure that they don’t significantly impact the budget or timeline for the project.

  5. Monitor the budget: Keep a close eye on the budget for the project and be sure to address any cost overruns as soon as possible.

  6. Hire a project manager: Consider hiring a project manager to oversee the construction process. A project manager can help ensure that the project stays on track and can help resolve any issues that arise.

How do I deal with change orders during a construction project?

Change orders are requests to alter the scope of work in a construction contract. They can arise for a variety of reasons, such as the discovery of unforeseen conditions, changes in design or materials, or the addition of new work. Here are some tips for dealing with change orders during a construction project:

 

  1. Review change orders carefully: It’s important to carefully review any change orders that are submitted to ensure that they are necessary and reasonable. This may involve consulting with architects, engineers, or other professionals as needed.

  2. Negotiate the terms of the change order: If you agree to a change order, it’s a good idea to negotiate the terms of the change, including the cost and timeline.

  3. Document the change order: Be sure to document any change orders in writing, including the scope of the change, the cost, and any impact on the timeline.

  4. Monitor the impact on the budget: Change orders can have a significant impact on the budget for a construction project. It’s important to carefully monitor the impact of change orders on the budget and address any cost overruns as soon as possible.

  5. Communicate with the contractor: Make sure to communicate with the contractor throughout the process of dealing with change orders. This will help ensure that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner and that the project stays on track.

How do I handle construction defects?

Construction defects are problems or deficiencies in the design or construction of a building or structure. If you discover a construction defect on your property, here are some steps you can take:

 

  1. Document the defect: Take photos or videos of the defect and make a detailed record of the problem.

  2. Notify the contractor: If the defect was caused by the contractor or another party involved in the construction process, notify them in writing about the problem. Be sure to include a description of the defect and any supporting documentation.

  3. Seek legal counsel: If the defect is significant and the contractor is unable or unwilling to address the problem, you may need to seek legal counsel. A lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and represent you in any legal proceedings that may be necessary.

  4. File a claim: Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a claim with the contractor’s insurance company or seek compensation through a lawsuit.

  5. Repair the defect: If the defect is not significant or can be easily repaired, you may be able to handle the repair yourself or hire a contractor to fix the problem.

It’s important to act quickly if you discover a construction defect, as the longer you wait, the more difficult and costly it may be to address the problem.

How do I maintain safety on a construction site?

Maintaining safety on a construction site is of the utmost importance. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of workers and others on the construction site:

 

  1. Follow all relevant safety regulations: Make sure to follow all relevant safety regulations and guidelines, including OSHA regulations, local building codes, and industry standards.

  2. Conduct a risk assessment: Identify and assess any potential hazards on the construction site, including fall risks, electrical hazards, and heavy machinery.

  3. Implement safety measures: Implement appropriate safety measures to mitigate identified hazards, such as installing guardrails, providing personal protective equipment, and posting warning signs.

  4. Provide safety training: Make sure that all workers on the construction site receive appropriate safety training and are familiar with the safety procedures in place.

  5. Regularly inspect the site: Conduct regular inspections of the construction site to identify and address any potential safety issues.

  6. Have a safety plan in place: Develop and implement a comprehensive safety plan that outlines the steps that will be taken to ensure the safety of workers and others on the construction site.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that the construction site is safe for everyone involved.

How do I resolve disputes that arise during a construction project?

Disputes can arise during a construction project for a variety of reasons, such as misunderstandings, changes in the scope of work, or issues with payment. Here are some steps you can take to resolve disputes that arise during a construction project:

 

  1. Try to resolve the dispute informally: In many cases, disputes can be resolved informally through communication and negotiation. If you are able to have a constructive conversation with the other party and reach an agreement, this can save time and money and help maintain a good working relationship.

  2. Consider mediation: If you are unable to resolve the dispute informally, you may want to consider mediation. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party helps the parties come to an agreement.

  3. Use arbitration: If mediation is not successful or is not an option, you may want to consider arbitration. In arbitration, a neutral third party hears both sides of the dispute and makes a decision that is binding on both parties.

  4. File a lawsuit: If the dispute cannot be resolved through informal or alternative dispute resolution methods, you may need to file a lawsuit. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, so it’s important to consider all other options before pursuing this route.

By following these steps, you can help resolve disputes that arise during a construction project in a timely and effective manner.