Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring A Guest House Contractor
Several aspects must be considered if you are looking for a guest house contractor in San Diego. It is to ensure they can work on your project. This article looks at crucial things to consider when hiring. So, let’s get into it.
Things to consider when hiring a guest house contractor in San Diego
Experience
Before signing up with a guest house contractor, you must consider their experience and expertise. Find out how many clients they have worked with and their reviews. It would help if you also consider their longevity in the industry. It will help you gauge if the contractor is fit for your project.
House to Home has been a contractor for over 25 years. This longevity has helped us offer some of the best guest house contractor services in San Diego. Moreover, we have the tools, resources, and expertise to meet your project’s needs. We have also won the Best of Houzz Service award in 2016 and 2021.
Accreditation
You don’t want to work with just about any contract in your neighborhood. While the contractors might be cost-effective, you might be liable in case of an accident or property damage. Sign up with an accredited guest house contractor to avoid such unwanted scenarios.
As an accredited contractor, you are sure they meet regulatory requirements to work on your projects. Besides, most have insurance coverage, meaning they’ll be liable for any property damage or accidents. House to Home is Kohler certified, and BBB A+ accredited, meaning you can trust us with your project.
Cost-To-Quality ratio
Often, homeowners will look to hire the contractor with the lowest bid. But this can do you more harm than good. Cheap guest house contractors will use low-quality or substandard materials.
And what’s the result? A building with poor construction integrity, which can attract fines and penalties from local authorities. You don’t have to break the bank, but at the same time, it is not wise to settle for substandard services. Aim to strike a balance between cost and quality, and you’ll receive better construction services.
License and insurance
Hiring a licensed guest house contractor in San Diego is a must if you want a successful project. Working with an unlicensed contractor can cause you to get into trouble with the authority. What’s more, they can decide to abandon your project without notice.
Before signing up with a contractor, ensure they have the appropriate license to work on your project. The liability insurance will compensate the workers and cover any property damage or bodily injuries without holding you liable. Also, ensure the license and insurance are recent.
Project management procedure
To have a successful project, you need to hire a contractor that seamlessly works with designers and other participants. As such, you can ask about their project management process to determine if it will fit your project.
At House to Home, we have a transparent project management process that helps us track the project’s pace, provide timely reports, and work in harmony with other project participants.
Benefits of working with a guest house contractor
Although we specialize in home additions in San Diego and provide many other services that involve your entire home, we understand the level of comfort a bedroom brings. So we’ve put together a list of our favorites that add extra convenience to your bedroom.
Insurance coverage
All reputable guest house contractors have liability insurance coverage for property damage and workers’ compensation. It also covers injury and accident costs on the construction site. As such, you’ll rest assured that everything is safe in the hands of the contractor. You can better track the project’s progress since you’ll have one point of contact; the contractor.
It is cost effective
By signing up with a reputable guest house contractor such as House to Home, you’ll save a lot of money on many expensive construction aspects. Most contractors will have networks with suppliers and manufacturers, who supply them with construction materials at a lower rate.
Furthermore, you won’t need to purchase construction equipment since the contractor will take care of that. The contractor is also liable for hiring sub-contractors. You only need to pay the contractor in time, and the project will run smoothly.
It saves time
Since contractors are conversant with the ins and outs of construction, they can help you save time. For example, they will interview and hire subcontractors on your behalf. They will also purchase and deliver construction materials without your input.
Likewise, you won’t need to visit authorities in San Diego to obtain permits. It helps avoid derailing the project, ensuring it completes on time.
You'll have a single point of contact
When you hire a guest house contractor in San Diego, they will oversee all aspects of the project. From interviewing and hiring to purchase of construction materials. They will have the full scope of the project’s budget and timeline and will work to ensure you get periodic progress reports. It means in case of clarification, you’ll ask the contractor.
Proven track record
Most guest house contractors are experts in what they do. They know what will work and what won’t. They can offer advice in case your proposal is not viable. Thanks to this experience, they’ll keep you informed on the progress of your project.
Unmatched customization
Unlike conventional builders, contractors are not rigid. They will work to see your idea comes to fruition. With decades of experience, House to Home can customize its services, ensuring your vision comes to life.
All that’s needed is the guest house details. Our designers and engineers will then create drawings, which our builders will construct upon.
What to consider when building a guest house
Now that you know the benefits of working with a guest house contractor in San Diego, let’s consider what you need to keep in mind before building one.
Local laws
Before you can even contact a guest house contractor, you need to look up your municipality laws and see if they permit the construction of a guest house. Some local laws may prohibit the construction of guest houses altogether. Others may limit the size, design, and location.
Your neighbors might even sue you for interrupting their privacy. Therefore, it is prudent to be well-versed with local laws to know if you can build a guest house.
Construction cost
Once you have ascertained the local laws allow the construction of a guest house, you need to consider the cost and factors that affect them. On average, a guest house costs $100-$500 per square foot. It depends on the materials and your finishing options. The type of guest house will also affect the price, and so is working with a contractor or non-contractor.
Guest house size
The guest house size is dependent on its purpose and scope of use. It will help you determine which amenities to include and which to do away with. You might require unique bathrooms and wide doors if your guest house is for older relatives.
For rental purposes, you might require amenities such as a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen, but on a smaller scale. If it is for personal use, you might do away with a kitchen.
Privacy
As mentioned, you must consider your neighbors’ and the guest house occupant’s privacy. It might be helpful to install opaque glass and blinds for the doors and windows. Soundproofing can be ideal if you will use the guest house for entertainment. Also, ensure the entry door faces away from your closest neighbor’s compound.
Types of guest houses
Detached new construction guest houses
It is the most popular option for most San Diego homeowners since it is built away from the main house. As such, there’s minimal distribution compared to an attached guest house.
Garage conversion guest houses
Homeowners with more than one garage prefer this type of guest house. It is because the foundation is already there and what’s needed is to design the interior. And since there are water and electricity systems, construction costs are reduced significantly.
Above garage guest houses
Building up becomes the only option if you don’t have a spacious backyard. Unfortunately, it is expensive compared to other types since you’ll have to redo the roofing, plumbing, and electricity systems.
Modular guest houses
If you want a cost-effective guest house, consider choosing the modular option. Many parts of the house are constructed off-site and assembled at home. You, however, need to have the foundation ready before the construction crew can complete the house.
Bump out guest houses
A bump out is a small addition with few amenities. Most will have a small bathroom and enough space for a bed. However, guest house contractors can build one that meets your needs.
Conclusion
When hiring a contractor, evaluate their licenses, insurance, experience, and project management process. It will help you find the ideal option to meet your needs. House to Home is a reputable guest house contractor in San Diego that can work on your project. Give us a call to book a consultation.