Do you need to hire a GC?

Have a large remodeling project in your future? Below is a helpful guide….

1) Get Recommendations

Start by asking your friends and family and then check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members in your area. Another way to find good Contractors is by talking with a building inspector, who'll know which contractors routinely meet code requirements.

2) Do Phone Interviews

Once you've gotten some names, put in a call to each of your prospects. This may cull some of them out right away. Contractors are notorious for not returning phone calls. If you don’t get a return call from someone in a customary time, mark them off your list – you will save yourself grief in the long run. To the Contractors you do speak to, ask the following questions: 

• Do they take on projects of your size?


• Are they willing to provide financial references, from suppliers or banks?


• Can they give you a list of previous clients?


• How many other projects would they have going at the same time?


• How long have they worked with their subcontractors?

The answers to these questions will reveal the company's availability, reliability, how much attention they'll be able to give your project and how smoothly the work will go.

3) Meet Face to Face

Based on the phone interviews, pick three or four contractors to meet for estimates and further discussion. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. Check in with your state's consumer protection agency and your local Better Business Bureau to make sure contractors don't have a history of disputes with clients or subcontractors.

4) Investigate the Facts

Your list should now be narrowed down – put your research to use and all up former clients to find how their project went and ask to see the finished product. Don’t rely on results alone. Ask to visit a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works. Is the job site neat and safe? Are workers courteous and careful with the homeowner's property?

5) Make Plans, Get Bids

You have your short list of contractors whose track records seem clean and whose work ethic looks responsible. Now it's time to stop looking back at past work and start looking forward to your project. A conscientious contractor will should provide a complete set of blueprints and also a sense of what homeowners want out of a project and what they plan to spend. To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, profit margins and other expenses. Generally materials account for 40 percent of the total cost; the rest covers overhead and the typical profit margin, which is 15 to 20 percent.

6) Set a Payment Schedule

Payment schedules can also speak to a contractor's financial status and work ethic. If they want half the bid up front, they may have financial problems or be worried that you won't pay the rest after you've seen the work. For large projects, a schedule usually starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel every item on the punch list has been completed.

7) Don't Let Price Be Your Guide

Buyer beware! You get what you pay for! We have all heard these warnings – Heed them!  Beware of your low-ball bid.  The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you and the contractor communicate. All things being equal, it's better to spend more and get someone you're comfortable with.

8) Put it in Writing

Draw up a contract that details every step of the project: payment schedule; proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation payments; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn't pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers. Insisting on a clear contract isn't about mistrust, it's about insuring a successful renovation.

We Support our Local Charities!

Since the inception of 2Patriots Property Inspection, it has been very important to us that we give - and we make most of our contributions on a local basis. One such charity is CLOSER TO HOME. Their purpose is to help the people of Williamson County when they have a need.

We had the pleasure of enjoying a very special  Benefit Concert on Friday night (10.8.10)  at Green's Grocery in Leipers Fork. Below are a couple of video's we hope you enjoy!

If you find yourself tapping your foot - make a donation (info is on their website)!

Every little bit helps!

Helpful Resources for our clients has been updated

Click here to access the most up-to-date list of resources that we can recommend to contact. 2Patriots only lists services and businesses that have been referred to us by our clients. We do not post any "ratings" - however, if we ever receive a negative comment OR if a client states that they didn't get a return phone call in a normal amount of time, the service/business will be removed from this list.

Integrity Matters....


"Choosing the right home inspector can be a difficult decision. Usually, you don't get to meet the inspector until after he or she has been hired. Furthermore, companies have varying qualifications, experience, reporting methods and pricing. A thorough inspection depends heavily on the inspector's own effort. If you honor us by permitting 2Patriots Property Inspection to inspect your home or investment property, I give my personal guarantee that our inspectors will give you our very best. "

-Bill Poole, Owner

READ WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY!

Jerry P. of Spring Hill : I was very satisfied with the thoroughness of the inspection performed by 2Patriots. The inspection report was very detailed but easy to understand. I was also impressed with the inspector personally. He was professional yet friendly. I would whole-heartedly recommend 2Patriots for your home inspection. I have already recommended your company to a couple of people.

Natalie M. of Nashville, TN : The inspection was much more thorough than I thought it was going to be. Thanks to the quality of the inspection, problems were discovered in the home that I did not expect and it saved me from making a poor investment choice. I recommend every potential home buyer get an inspection; it's worth the money and my 2 Patriots inspector was great!

Kylie W. of Nashville, TN: 2Patriots Property Inspection was extremely professional and thorough with our home inspection. As first time home buyers, we needed an inspector that we could trust and that would take the time to answer all of our questions – that’s exactly the type of inspector we got with 2Patriots! Their follow-up and availability after the inspection was second-to-none. We received two follow-up calls to answer any questions that came up about the inspection and report and they also left an open invitation to call them anytime in the future with any questions. They truly take pride in their work and customer service and I would absolutely recommend them to my friends and family.

Jason V. of Cornersville, TN : I was referred to 2Patriots to do my home inspection from my realtor. I am living in Michigan, and I needed to make sure my new home was in top shape! I received OUTSTANDING service and follow up from my inspector! I would Highly recommend this company to anyone. Absolute Professionals!

Elizabeth C. of Franklin, TN: I was really pleased with how the inspector (Bill) walked me through my home and explained different features. He didn't seem to be in a rush and was happy to answer all of my questions. I learned about home maintenance and was given recommendations for products to consider using in the future for energy efficiency. He definitely put me at ease!