When you’re hiring contractors to handle a home improvement job, you face several important decisions. One of the key considerations to weigh is whether to hire a professional and licensed contracting team or to hire a handyman to try and cut costs. Many homeowners looking to trim their budget by hiring someone under the table end up paying someone without any license or certifications. Too often, these discount contractors have very limited knowledge of building codes.

At The Construction Group in Maplewood, we take pride in making sure every job meets the highest standards and building code requirements. Read on to learn more about why hiring a contractor with an understanding of your local building codes is one of the best decisions you can make.

In a world where bureaucracy can seem a bit of a hindrance in our daily lives, it can be tempting to see building codes as pointless rules meant to complicate a project. Taking this point of view, low-budget contractors often cut corners to save time and money on a job. But most building codes exist to protect homeowners from fire hazards and other potential risks. Contracting work that isn’t quite up to code speaks volumes about the quality of workmanship invested in the project.

There are many ways a contractor can cut corners:

●        Not hiring a licensed electrician to install lighting

●        Failure to properly distance structural supports

●        Not using pressure-treated lumber on an outdoor carpentry job

When you’re choosing a contractor for your home project, make sure you consider more than just price. If you’re getting several quotes, request a detailed proposal from each contractor. If one quote is at a lower price point, consider the details in each proposal.

Next, ask to see a portfolio of their past projects; request information about their licensing and certifications. Finally, discuss the contractor’s knowledge of building codes. On most cases, the lower price point reflects a lack of commitment to quality and a less than thorough understanding of local codes.

Whether you’re adding a deck to your home, remodeling your kitchen, or converting your garage into a bedroom, it’s important to make sure the work is up to code. At The Construction Group in Maplewood, we take pride in making sure every job we do meets the highest standard down to the most minor detail.

To view examples of our past projects online, visit our gallery of work. Then call our home improvement contractors to discuss your upcoming contracting project at 651-731-5857 or contact us to get a free quote.