Deciding who to hire for your next home improvement project can be an overwhelming task. With so many contractors in the area, how can you guarantee that you’re selecting the best one for the job? Picking the wrong contractor could mean wasted time and money, and potentially disastrous results. Unfortunately, there are people out there who may take advantage of the customer being uninformed. By asking the right questions and taking a few extra moments to vet potential contractors, homeowners can protect themselves and their finances.
First up is to do your research. Bring up the contractors names online to learn more about their business. Check out the ratings and reviews from each contractor’s previous clients. Don’t just skim the reviews, really read into what their customers are saying. Pay special attention to the ones that you relate with. If you’re hiring for something specific, a kitchen renovation, for example, then look for those reviewers who had a similar project. Talking to 3-5 contractors before you make a commitment can give you a better idea of who you’re working with.
Getting an honest opinion from someone who has already completed a project with the contractor in question can provide additional insight. Ask your friends, family and colleagues if they’ve had any experience with the person you’re thinking of hiring. The more you know going in, the better off you’ll be. Quality professionals will often have a portfolio of past work that you can check out.
When you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, whats next? Proper communication is key. Make sure that you two are compatible and on the same page. Ask questions and catch any red flags during your initial conversation. Be sure that the person you’re hiring is fully licensed and insured as well. Don’t forget to get in writing the terms of the job including the breakdown of costs and timeline you both agree on.
Documents from the contractor should be reviewed before signing. Read and understand the estimate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the document such as “who is responsible for this piece of the job?” or “who is responsible for cleanup?” Make sure that the sub-contractors and suppliers being used are licensed to do the job.
Another way to protect yourself is to get documentation from the contractor and check references. Your contractor should provide a written agreement which spells out the details of the job such as the cost, materials, timeline, payment schedule, etc. Gathering adequate documentation helps to reduce the chances of bumps in the road. Plus, contacts of the contractor’s past customers can provide valuable insight. Ask about the contractor’s level of professionalism, communication, and quality of work or materials. In all cases, trust your gut and be aware of potential warning signs.
To make sure your home project goes off without a hitch, take the time to find the right contractor before you get started. Don’t rush the process, after all, this is one of the most significant investments that you’ll ever make. Investing the time and energy in finding the right person to lead your project will pay off in the end.
Above all, listen to your gut feeling when it comes to the contractor you hire. It might be helpful to draw up a checklist of what to look for. Choose someone who is knowledgeable and experienced. Network with people in the building trades or local organizations, such as the Home Builders Association, to get referrals to qualified pros. Ask the contractor questions including which sub-contractors they plan to hire for various components of the job and if they offer a warranty for their work.
Find out how the contractor is registered and insured. A good contractor should have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ensure all these items are documented and signed before paying any money or signing any contracts. Finally, check with the local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to determine any complaints against them.
The whole process of finding the right home improvement contractor is quite daunting but it’s important to make sure that all the necessary precautionary measures are taken. Don’t rush into anything and expect only the best. For a stress-free business venture with the assurance of quality results, take the time to choose the best contractor for the job.