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Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor

July 14, 2019

We know one of the biggest questions customers have when looking to start any type of construction project is, “Who do we hire, and how do we know they’re the right company for the job?” Choosing the right person or company for the right job is crucial. If you choose wrong, your project can quickly turn into a complete disaster. At BLM Construction & Remodeling, LLC we understand your concerns and we will be here to help guide you through the process whether you choose us for the project or not! We pride ourselves on having crystal clear pricing, easy to access schedule and job information, great customer service, fast and quality construction services, and multiple communication methods. Here are some great tips to help you choose the right people for the right job!

Take Your Time: It’s YOUR hard earned money so don’t feel like you need to rush the hiring process.

Check References: Make sure you check lots of reviews and don’t forget to ask around. If you know or find on the the contractors previous customers, here are some good questions you can ask:

Was the contractor on time and under budget?
How happy are you with the final product?
Did their work last?
How much of a down payment did they ask for?
How was their customer service? Were they easy to contact?
Did they answer questions?

You can even ask the contractor if they have any prior work that you can go and look at.

Ask Questions: Never be afraid to ask the contractor questions. Ask if they have a valid license; a good contractor will always have one. Ask if they are fully insured. Without insurance, if someone gets injured on the job site, they can go after you with a lawsuit.

Get a Contract: If you’ve found a potential contractor, make sure they have a proper contract. The contract should cover every detail of the job so you know exactly what to expect. It should include details on the products and material being used, subcontractors working on the project, as well as a clear payment schedule. Review the contract carefully, and do not sign anything until you are 100%.

Preparing for Your Construction Project!

July 7, 2020

BLM Construction & Remodeling gets asked by customers all the time, “How do we prepare for our construction project?” Once your job is defined, set up, and the process underway, here are some things you can do to get ready.

Login and get familiar with BuilderTrend: Create a reliable communication system with your contractor right off the bat. This will eliminate any confusion or discomfort during the process. BLM Construction uses a tool, called BuilderTrend, that is dedicated to making sure our clients know exactly what is happening on their job. Within seconds, you can login and get immediate updates and information, see when and who is working, view your timeline, inspect or upload progress pictures, and even pay your bill!
Know the Schedule: Work with your contractor to develop and understand the timeline. The timeline will highlight the dates and times work will be taking place and completed. This allows you not only to get mnentally prepared, but gives you plenty of time to get any preparations taken care of. Keeping yourself updated on the timeline, either through BuilderTrend or talking to the Job Manager, is also important. This way you’re not taken off guard by any sudden timeline changes due to weather or unforeseen events.
Get the space prepped: Remove all furniture, wall hangings, valuable items, etc. from the job area. This will ensure items will remain undamaged throughout the project. You should also store any items you do not need in a garage or basement. This will prevent your living space from becoming too cluttered and greatly increase the cleanliness and efficiency of the project. Depending on the size of the job, some of our clients rent a storage unit to store their furnishings and valuable items.
Keep yourself and your family safe: We ask that you please keep children and pets AWAY from the construction area. Also please refrain from performing any work on the project unless previously discussed with the Job Manager.
Know the job will look great: Renovations often create a LOT of mess so be prepared to be a bit uncomfortable with your surroundings. We’ll cover any construction or high traffic areas with sheets of plastic to protect your home. Be patient and relax. BLM Construction & Remodeling always cleans up after the project is done. We work on leaving your home or office better than we found it.

If you have any questions about how to get prepared for your project, or any concerns during the project, especially after the job is completed, please feel free to call your Job Manager or the office at 717-650-1472. You can even stop by at 2415 W Market St, York, PA 17404.

BLM Construction & Remodeling greatly appreciates the opportunity to work with you. We strive to complete your job on time, under budget, and above your expectations. Thank you!

Toolbox Talk – Hand Tools Safety

Toolbox Talk - Hand Tools Safety

June 23, 2020

Many workers routinely use hand tools and don’t think of them as dangerous, but accidents continue to occur. Hand tools include hammers, screwdrivers, saws, wrenches, cutters, tape measures, sledge hammers, cat’s paws, chisels, punches, pipe wrenches, pliers, and planes, just to name a few. Each tool is designed to do a specific task. The greatest hazards posed by a hand tool are from their misuse or improper maintenance. It’s up to you to select the right tool for the job and to use and care for it properly.

Hand tool safety begins by selecting the right tool for the task and using it the way it was designed. Using the wrong tool for a job is likely to result in an accident. Before you start a job, inspect the tool for defects. Check to be sure that the handle fits tightly into the head, especially with a cutting tool such as an axe. Replace cracked, splintered or broken handles and worn jaws on wrenches or pliers. Replace or repair broken tools and/or power cords. Keep tools clean, sharp and in good condition so they’ll be ready for use the next time. When you’ve finished the job, return tools to their proper storage position protected from unintended contact.

If possible, choose tools designed to keep your wrist straight not bent. Pull on wrenches or pliers don’t push on them and avoid applying excessive force. When using a cutting tool, hold its handle firmly in the palm of your hand and cut away from your body never towards it. Carry sharp tools away from your body, never in your pocket. Keep pointed or sharp tools away from walkways where they could injure someone passing by.

Tools should never be tossed to another worker, surface or height; they should be handed securely to another worker or placed directly on another surface or level. If working on a ladder or scaffold, tools should be raised or lowered using a bucket and hand line. Never carry tools in a way that may interfere with your using both hands on a ladder or climbing on a structure.

Remember to wear personal protective equipment when using certain tools. Wear hearing protection when using power saws, drills or other noise-generating tools. If a task involves getting close to pointed objects or branches – like when pruning- or if work could possibly generate flying objects or dust, protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles. When gloves are necessary, make sure they fit properly. Gloves that are too loose, tight or bulky could contribute to hand fatigue or injury.

As the tool handler, think of your safety first, but also be aware of others around you when using tool, so you don’t involve them in an accident. If you have any question about the use, condition or care of a tool, talk to your supervisor.