Schedule A Phone Consultation

Why Credentials and Good Reviews are Not Enough to Qualify Your Contractor

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Chances are you have talked to several contractors, and they all have the right answers. They are insured and bonded and they have been in the business for a while. They even gave you a list of referrals.

So, they are qualified, now what?

There is a question that we ask potential clients, “Have you ever had a bad experience with a contractor before?” The answer is all too often “YES.” And is not because the client did not do their research. But being licensed and having a few good reviews is not enough. Any remodel is an involved process, and in the case of a major remodel or addition, you will be working closely with us for 6 months to a year. It is paramount to the team at Gannage Design & Construction that we establish a good relationship before we start working together.

Here are some questions you should ask of any potential contractor.

1. HOW MANY PROJECTS DO YOU RUN AT ONE TIME?

 There is no wrong answer to this question, but it should reveal to you the size of the operation you are engaging with and let you know how much time that contractor may be able to devote to you and your project.

 Gannage Design & Construction runs 3-6 projects at one time depending on the size of the projects. We keep this number low to ensure that we are able to be available for our clients and their projects. It is important to us to provide a building experience that a client would want to go through again.

2. HOW OFTEN WILL YOU BE HERE? 

A Project Manager should be at your project no less than every other day. The General Contractor should be willing to show up at least once a week to keep tabs on the progress and make sure everything is going as planned.

Mikhail is on larger jobs every other day at a minimum. Sometimes on smaller jobs, he only has to be there once a week. We generally do not take on jobs that are farther than 30 minutes from our office so in case of an emergency he can be there in 30 minutes.

3. WHO IS YOUR ON-SITE PROJECT MANAGER? WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES HE HAVE?

 Just because your General Contractor has been in business a long time doesn’t mean that his Project Manager has been. Clarifying this can prevent a lot of heartache down the road. You can even ask to go visit the Project Manager on a current job if that is applicable.

 Mikhail is the owner, general contractor and the project manager. This is important because there is no loss of design intent. Mikhail is involved at every stage of your project and makes sure that what you want happens. 

4. WILL YOU PROVIDE ME DAILY UPDATES? HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?

 Ultimately you want a contractor who is set up and willing to do so. If you decide you only want weekly updates, that is fine, but there is nothing worse than being left in the dark about where your project is.

 Co-Construct makes communication between client, contractor and sub-trades clear and efficient. You will receive updates daily or weekly, based on your selection within the software. You will also have access to job photos, schedule updates and payment postings within your mobile app.

5. DOES YOUR CONTRACT INCLUDE A DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK?

 A contractor can promise you the moon, but when it comes to delivery, you might be shocked to find out not everything was included. For both parties’ sakes, a detailed scope of work that includes everything from your floorplan to paint color and faucet selections should be accounted for. At the end, there should be a Fixed Cost to provide the listed scope of work.

 Gannage Design & Construction contracts are very detailed. They include payment schedules, detail scope of work, fixture product details, appliance specifications, tile drawings and any other pertinent details for your job.

6. WILL MY PROJECT REQUIRE PERMITS?

 Anytime electrical, plumbing or the structure is affected a permit will be required. If your contractor is not prepared to obtain the necessary permits from the Building Department, what other corners might they be cutting?

 Mikhail and I have good working relationships with all the building departments in the county. We pull permits regularly and are aware of what the different cities and county building departments require for specific projects. This is an invaluable asset when dealing with complicated permit processes.

7. DO YOU WARRANTY YOUR WORK? FOR HOW LONG?

 The answer here should be a resounding YES. 6 months should be the bare minimum, but there is no industry standard or laws guiding this practice. Make sure the warranty period is spelled out in your contract so you know what exactly is and is not covered.

Gannage Design & Construction warranties all work and fixtures supplied by us through our Fixed Fee Home Improvement contract for 12 months after the completion of your building project. Most appliances will have an additional warranty.

 Reminder: Never hire a contractor who is not licensed, bonded and insured.

ALWAYS CALL REFERENCES! ASK:

  1. Where you Satisfied?
  2. Did your project have any cost increases due to the contractor?
  3. How did they handle any issues that may have come up?
  4. Ask about what you are most concerned about (cleanliness, noise, invoicing, whatever it may be).

WORK WITH US!

 

 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Similar Articles

CARLOS LÓPEZ, JR

Carpenter / Material Handling
Carlos began working in Gannage Design Construction in 2020. He graduated Paso Robles High School in 2019. He began working on the construction industry when he was 16 years old and found a calling for a construction career. Carlos is our second bilingual member in the company. He enjoys spending time with his family 18 moth baby and his french bulldog.

CARLOS LÓPEZ, SR

Carpenter / Equipment Operator
Carlos began working at Gannage Design Construction in 2018 after transitioning from decades working in the agricultural industry. Carlos skills in carpentry and equipment operation. Originally from Torreón Coahuila, Mexico. Carlos enjoy spending time with his grandchildren. His hobby is horse riding.

ANTONIO GONZÁLEZ

Project Lead
Antonio began working at Gannage Design Construction in 2018. He has been involved in the construction industry since 2005. Originally from Guadalajara Mexico. Antonio is one of our bilingual member in the company. Antonio makes sure to use his skills in operating heavy machinery, site preparation, material handling, and following OSHA safety regulations to work efficiently. He enjoys traveling with his wife and two children and explore new places.

STACEY VASQUEZ

Office Manager
Stacey joined the team at Gannage Design & Construction in 2023 after deciding to transition back into the workforce from being a stay-at-home mother for several years. She has many years of experience in Office Management and her passion for organization is an incredible asset to our team. Originally from the Central Valley, she and her family moved to Paso Robles in 2016. In her free time she enjoys reading, crafting and watching her daughters play softball.

NICK RECTOR

Project Manager

Nick joined the Gannage Design & Construction team in February 2023 as our Construction Superintendent after deciding that owning and operating his own construction company kept him behind a computer when where he excelled was in connecting with people. Nick spends most of his work day in the field with clients, contractors, and our team ensuring the project stays on track as intended.

From a young age, Nick fell in love with construction while helping his father and grandfather build their family home. In high school, Nick completed Architecture I, II, and III in addition to college-level math courses in preparation for making a career out of his passion. Nick’s passion for architecture and construction took a backseat, however, after he ran the mile in 4:23, which earned him a college scholarship in Track & Field and Cross Country. His focus, determination, and dedication saw him run in seven Nation Championships, finishing as high as 8th in the nation in Cross Country and Top 10 two times in the 5k and 10k track events. Post collegiately; Nick ran numerous half marathons, three marathons, and two 50ks before landing a job as Race Director and Event Director, where he honed his organizational and project management skills.

In 2016 Nick decided to return to his childhood love and dedicated himself to learning the trades. In 2019 he started his own construction company and successfully navigated the COVID pandemic with continued business growth. Ultimately Nick realized his passion was in the progress of the project, educating clients and crews and managing schedules, not business management, and we are eternally grateful as he has been a tremendous asset to the Gannage Design & Construction team from day one.

DENISE CORELLA, UDCP

Design Lead | Strategic Thinker | Client Guide

Denise brings a background in design, systems thinking, and human-centered problem solving to every project.

Her role combines vision with practicality by helping clients express what they want and understand what it takes to build it responsibly. She is often the first person clients contact and acts as their main guide during early decisions.

Denise is known for asking thoughtful questions, translating complexity into clarity, and advocating for decisions that hold up over time.

She believes education empowers people and that clients deserve transparency, even when the truth is hard to hear.

MIKHAIL GANNAGE

Founder | Master-Builder | Construction Strategist

Mikhail leads construction operations with a steady, methodical approach grounded in more than 30 years of field experience. He brings structure to complex builds — balancing craftsmanship with logistics, timelines, sequencing, and team coordination.

His leadership style is disciplined but approachable. Clients consistently note his willingness to listen — to create space for questions, to slow down decisions when needed, and to ensure they fully understand the implications of what they’re choosing. Construction can feel overwhelming; Mikhail’s job is to bring clarity and confidence to the process.

He believes strong process protects everyone involved: clients, trades, and the integrity of the finished work. Clear expectations, proactive communication, and real-time problem-solving are not extras — they are requirements.

Mikhail also brings a deeply vetted network of subcontractors and trades who share his standards and values. He does not simply hand off scopes of work; he communicates the full vision of the project so every trade understands how their piece fits into the whole. When even the underground plumbing crew understands the broader intent of the build, the result is better execution, stronger accountability, and greater pride in the outcome.

Leadership on a jobsite is not about control. It is about alignment — ensuring that the client’s vision is understood, protected, and carried through to completion with discipline and care.