Five things that companies can do to avoid hiring bad contractors

With commercial and residential projects popping up all over the Mississauga, local construction companies are facing a shortage in skilled tradespeople, putting pressure on companies to find qualified workers.

“The problem right now is there’s too much work and there’s not enough people to do the job,” project manager Peter Del Fatti of Mississauga-based Fram Building Group told YourMississaugaBiz.com.

The company knows the local situation firsthand, with six previously completely projects on the Port Credit waterfront and another series of condominiums currently being built.

As a of the result of the skills shortage, Fram and many companies are looking to hire extra contractors for commercial or residential projects, some of which have been delayed due to the shortage.

“When you can’t staff the job with the proper manpower,” Del Fatti explained, “the jobs are not as efficient, it costs you most and it takes you longer.”

With this situation in mind, Del Fatti gave some tips and advice about what businesses can do to avoid hiring bad contractors.

1. Draw from trusted sources. At Fram, Del Fatti has a pool of subcontractors he’s worked with in the past. “If it’s a critical trade and you’ve had history with them you may ask for a certain foreman that you’re comfortable with,” he explained.
2. Ask for references. If Del Fatti is considering a new contractor to bid on the job, their past history is incredibly important. “We’ll check on them to see what work they’ve done to ensure the quality and check if they’re capable and have the resources to do the work,” he said.
3. Check for the company’s insurance and/or bonding. This would guarantee the completion of the project by an insurance company or bank.
4. Analyze bids carefully. “In the end you want to make sure the winning contractor you hire for the job has the complete package,” Del Fatti said.
5. Find out the staffing situation. With the industry at high demand, it’s important to find out the size of the company, that they’re not understaffed at the time and have enough qualified people for the job.

And while some delays can’t be avoided, Del Fatti said hiring a quality contractor will also help save money in the long-term. “A good contractor’s going to take a month longer, a bad contract might take you six months longer.”