PROFESSIONALISM IN THE building trades
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A NEW PROJECT FOR YOUR HOME, IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO KNOW YOUR BUILDING TRADES CONTRACTOR.
Professional contractors have a litany of certifications, continuous education courses, and licensing that they must obtain before they even think about quoting a project. As a homeowner, you should know the people coming in and out of your home, as well as their qualifications to complete the project to your expectations.
What sets the professional contractor apart from the “handyman” is the combination of education and experience. Depending on the trade, formal educational requirements could be minimal or they may consist of certifications or degrees in their particular field. For example, is your contractor LEED certified? LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design that offers sustainable design, construction, and operations to minimize negative environmental impacts. One of the requirements to be LEED certified is to maximize water and energy conservation and safe material utilization. Does the contractor working on your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system have their EPA 608 certification, as required by law? This certification takes weeks of studying and requires passing a proctored exam.
Education is expensive — but experience is as well. Is the electrician in your home licensed in your community? Licensing can be an important qualification. It ensures that the contractor has an actual business and is properly insured. Is the plumber in your home an apprentice, a journeyman, or a master plumber? Each level requires years of experience as well as very challenging exams to achieve the next level. Experience also matters based upon the scope of the project. If your home is a century old, does the contractor have the historical knowledge of building construction to ensure proper renovations for the design period, and compliance with current building codes?
A professional contractor operates their business as a going concern — they run their business profitably and will continue to do so for the next 12 months and beyond. This is important because you do not want your contractor to take your deposit and disappear; or begin the job and not be able to complete it because of financial issues with their suppliers or employees. Do not be afraid to ask questions of their education and experience in the trade. Both you and your contractor have a vested interest in providing an exceptional experience.