Hire the Right Contractor
Hiring a contractor can be stressful, especially if you’re planning a major renovation or repair. For most homeowners, the hardest part of any home project is finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job. Choosing the right contractor can make the difference between a successful home project and a disaster. Use the following guidelines to help you choose a professional contractor for your next home project. These tips also apply if you’re hiring a tradesperson or service professional to tackle any project around the home.
Get referrals
Many people will immediately go on the Internet and search for contractors, but it’s better to start your search by asking family, friends and neighbors (people they trust) for the names of contractors or trades professionals they’ve used. Only after you have fully utilized this resource for getting referrals should you turn to the Internet. We work with reputable contractors and other professionals in our local area so give us a call for a referral.
Another option is to contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Building Trade Association and ask for their recommendations.
Research your list of companies
Once you have your list of at least 3 companies, do a background check. Check with the Better Business Bureau. They give businesses letter-grade ratings and offers reviews that include background, licensing, consumer experience, and other information. Some businesses are accredited by the BBB, which means that they meet the bureau’s standards. Check in with your state attorney general’s office as well to see if there are any complaints against the contractor. Check online consumer review sites. Verify that all companies under consideration are licensed and check for any past judgments against them from prior jobs. Be aware that if you use an unlicensed contractor, you may be responsible for any work that is not to code or injuries your worker incurs on the job.
MAKE SURE THE CONTRACTOR IS LICENSED TO WORK IN YOUR AREA.
Meet the contractors in person
Meeting face to face not only allows you to ask more questions, it can also provide insight into their character and attention to detail in the way they present themselves and their company.
Since you’ll be working closely with the contractor and team, you’ll want to make sure you TRUST them.
Questions to ask a Contractor:
Ask for proper documentation and paperwork. For example:
Review details before work begins
Payment:
If your project is large, you may pay up to 30 percent upon signing the contract, followed by disbursements of payments over the duration of the project with final balance due upon completion of the project. Use the disbursements of payments as a time to review the project’s status and ensure your expectations and the contract standards are being met.
Time:
If you’d like the work to be done during a particular window of time or have other requests, discuss them with the contractor ahead of time.
Expectations:
Understand what the contractor expects from you. For example, do you need to clear an area before work begins?
Get everything in writing
The contract should include a payment schedule, proof of insurance (liability and workers’ compensation).
The contract should also include:
Beware of doing business with contractors who do the following:
Hire local Contractors
Local area contractors who have been in business for a long time are usually reliable and dependable. Companies that are involved in the community, members of their local Chamber, active in community organizations are probably local. If there is a problem later and or if you need service, a local contractor is going to be more responsive and help take care of you.
Something to keep in mind:
A common mistake is "wanting" projects completed quickly and for the lowest cost. This typically leads up to one thing; disappointment and frustration. Skilled and reliable contractors are in high demand. Good contractors are busy and might have a longer lead time for scheduled jobs. It's important to understand that good contractors are scheduled out at least 2 to 6 months in advance. If you absolutely need it done quick, remember that contractors that are always available right away are not in demand. Good contractors don't take shortcuts and high-quality work takes time.
(Don't let price be the deciding factor. The lowest price contractor may be cutting corners and taking short cuts.)
Learn more:
27 Questions For Home Owners
https://www.bbb.org/boston/industry-tips/read/tip/27-questions-for-home-owners-142
Can You Find a Good Contractor Online?
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-improvement/can-you-find-a-good-contractor-online/