Injuries can occur on a construction site. If the site is your home and your contractor does not have the proper insurance, you may be held liable. Check with your locality for the proper amount of liability insurance, and if the contractor has employees, check to see whether he carries worker's compensation insurance.

As part of hiring, Sweeney Construction carries various insurance policies, some required by law and others an invisible benefit to our client. Even with a great safety record, workers compensation can be as much a $35 for every $100 paid in wage to an employee. We are also required by the Wisconsin state building code to carry a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance. However, we have increased our insurance coverage to $5,000,000.

Proper licensing demonstrates a company's best practices management, but hiring a licensed contractor will also protect you. For example, worker's compensation insurance is a contractor's responsibility, not a property owner's. But some contractors may not be licensed or carry proper insurance. 

Coordinating the subcontractors and monitoring the quality of products and workmanship requires communication, documentation and expertise to keep the project moving along efficiently and on budget. Consumers may not realize the time it takes to foster open and necessary communication and to ensure the project is meeting high standards. Working with a business that already has partnership with quality subcontractors and venders provides a seamless project.

In most professions, more education, training and experience equal faster, more accurate, less costly and better results. It's no different in remodeling professions. The industry is constantly striving to develop better materials and products. These new innovations require skilled, certified labor for expert installation and to validate warranties. Attracting and maintaining the highest quality labor requires good salaries and full benefit packages that can only be offered by quality general contractors.

Providing and maintaining fully stocked trucks with equipment, materials and tools requires working capital. Investment in quality equipment and tools decreases labor costs, provides a higher quality product and offers faster completion times.   

Demolition is one of the most difficult phases of a construction project. Dust not properly contained enters into your home's HVAC system, spreads throughout the home onto floors, furniture and personal items. Proper dust protection takes time and innovative materials and results in a healthy environment for the client and for hired labor.

Also, homes built prior to 1978 may have lead paint, which could mean serious health risks for children. We are required by law to hold and maintain lead safe licenses and practice lead safe containment. Proper containment and disposal of lead paint and asbestos will keep you, your family and our employees safe and healthy.

In addition, the amount of construction debris that is removed from a project will not fit in a weekly trash container, nor will most municipalities pick it up. Seventy eight percent of our construction debris is recycled because we have selected responsible waste management companies. It is important for us to take care of the earth.

Our subcontractors, such as plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians, are an important part of a project. Not only do they need to be licensed, insured, skilled and up-to-date on the newest trends and products, but they also need to be good business people. They need to keep suppliers and employees current; nonpayment could result in liens on your property. They also need to show up on time and work seamlessly and collaboratively with the client and others. Most of our subcontractors have been part of our team for 25 years: They are proven and we trust them to do excellent work for you.

One of the keys to providing a high level of service is the finically stability of a company and that company's team of subcontractors. Sweeney Construction is unique in that we pay our team of subcontractors 100 percent of what is due ever month. Not only is this sound financial planning for our company, but also our team members have a predictable cash flow and are better able to serve us - and therefore, you.

We know that your time is valuable. Don't forget about all of the opportunities you would have to spend your time in fun or productive ways that are lost when you decide to do it yourself. Hire a quality contractor and go have some fun!