Sycamore Builders LLC is a general contracting company meaning you only need to make one call and we do the rest. We work with you through the design, budget and planning process to achieve the greatest value while fulfilling your needs and desires, whether it is a custom home, addition, garage, major renovation, deck or a kitchen/bath remodel, we do it all. Sycamore Builders LLC is committed to quality and customer satisfaction, leaving behind many pleased customers that have recommended our services to others. Being a small company allows me as the owner to be involved in day to day activity on the job site to ensure the quality and attention that you as a customer deserves.
Sycamore Builders LLC is a member of Lancaster Building Industry Association, Pennsylvania Builders Association and National Association of Homebuilders, as well the Better Business Bureau.
It is our Goal at Sycamore Builders LLC to build a quality product that will stand the test of time, as well as a relationship with our customers that does not end when the project is complete.
Because I am committed to quality, Sycamore Builders LLC offers a 2 year warranty on all construction services no matter how large or small the project.
How to Shop for the Best Lancaster General Contractor
If you’re planning a new Lancaster home construction or major remodeling project, you’re going to need a general contractor to help you get the job done. Hiring a Lancaster general contractor is the first step in the physical building process once the plans and financing are in place. A general contractor works as the manager to oversee your entire project from preparing a building site to planning the exterior landscaping. This can include obtaining the required building permits, the hiring of subcontractors, maintaining precise bookkeeping records and scheduling on time delivery of materials.
Many people don’t have a clue where to start when it comes time to find a qualified Lancaster general contractor that they feel they can trust with their project. If they end up with a contractor they are unsure of, the entire project can make for a very stressful time and the homeowner worries constantly about the outcome. So whether you are building a new house or simply undertaking a kitchen or bath remodel you need to find a Lancaster general contractor you feel you can trust to provide quality workmanship and dependable service.
A Lancaster General Contractor: Putting Together Your List
You can look for a Lancaster general contractor just as you would any other contractor. Start by asking friends and neighbors if they can recommend a good contractor. Talk with your local building supply dealer or check online for listings of general contractors in your area. Look in the phone directory but don’t focus on the largest, flashiest listing you see. It may be true that an impressive ad represents a larger business but you shouldn’t overlook the smaller contractors that may have the time to give more attention to your project.
Before you decide on any Lancaster general contractor, make a call to your local Better Business Bureau to see if he or the company he represents has had any complaints filed against them. Try to get specifics and ask how any complaints were handled by the contractor. Many complaints are simply a matter of miscommunication or a minor problem that was readily taken care of by the contractor. It’s important to remember that even a reputable Lancaster general contractor can get an occasional complaint but what’s important is how they handle them. On the other hand, a continuing list of complaints against a general contractor can mean there’s a serious problem with the contractor or his company.
Make certain that any Lancaster general contractor you plan to hire carries the appropriate licensing and insurance. You can call or go online to check with the state licensing board to find out if a specific general contractor is listed. Any contractor will also need to have liability insurance and their employees should be covered by worker’s compensation
Obtaining an estimate from a Lancaster General Contractor
Once you have a list of contractors in mind, it’s time to collect bids for your project. Keep your selection to just a few. Taking the time to write up a detailed bid can be expensive for a Lancaster general contractor. He has to take time from current projects or work extra hours putting together a quote. By keeping the bidding process to just a select few, the general contractor knows he at least has a good chance of winning your contract. Too much competition and the best contractors may simply walk away because they have better things to do than spend time on a job they have a slim chance of getting.
Before a Lancaster general contractor can bid on your project, they’ll need some information to work with, such as the size and scope of the entire project and an estimated time for completion. You should also provide each general contractor with an itemized list of what you want included in each bid. You don’t want just a total figure. You want to see a breakdown of what each component of the project will cost such as plumbing installation electrical wiring and wall finishing and you want a schedule of dates that will bring the entire project in under your planned date for completion. If possible, you might want to ask about the subcontractors that will be working on your project.
Choosing the Best Lancaster General Contractor for the Job
Once you have your bids in hand you can begin making comparisons. When deciding on a Lancaster general contractor you’ll not only have to determine which bid is to your advantage financially but also which one is the best suited for your particular project. You could opt to go with the general contractor that has the most experience and years in business or you might find it’s better to choose the newer contractor, looking to build a good reputation and gain clients who might later be a good reference for potential clients. A Lancaster general contractor that is newer to the trade might be more thorough and go the extra mile to see that you are satisfied. But you need to be certain that he has been in the business long enough to properly take on your project.
What it all comes down to is not only finding the Lancaster general contractor that will give you the most value for your money but also one that is the most suited for your particular project and one that you feel confident working with. Don’t feel you have to choose the first general contractor you talk with or accept the lowest bid. While money is certainly a determining factor, it’s also important to realize that a Lancaster general contractor is someone you will need to establish a good relationship with, so there is a degree of chemistry involved. Don’t forget that your home depends on the Lancaster general contractor you choose.