How To Choose the Right Contractor
Whether you're remodeling a bathroom, building a deck, laying a wood floor or painting your house, choosing the right contractor for your project is an important first step. Slow down and do some research. If you don't choose the right contractor, you could end up disappointed in the work, feeling swindled and needing someone else to finish the job.
#10 Use An Online Referral Service
Consider using an online referral service-they're prescreened for insurance and licensing, and some provide user ratings and comments.
# 9 Get Referrals
Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for referrals. People love updating their homes so you should have no trouble coming up with a list of contractors to call.
# 8 Match Your Project With the Contractors Skills
Hire a contractor who specializes in the type of work you need done. Someone you hire to install wood flooring or to build a deck should be a carpentry contractor, while someone you hire to install recessed lighting in your kitchen should be an electrician.
# 7 Check With the BBB
Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if complaints have ever been filed or are outstanding against the contractor.
# 6 Interview Your Friends
Did your contractor finish the job within the budget? If not, what caused the overage?
Were you informed of additional costs as they came up?
How did the contractor handle setbacks or glitches? Was he or she easy to work with when the going got rough?
What was the contractor's crew like? Were they respectful? Did they clean up after themselves each day?
If plans were changed while the work was in progress, were the changes accommodated, or was the contractor inflexible?
# 5 Get at Least Three References
Ask your contractor for three references and call them. Ask them specific questions about workmanship that are important to you. You might be concerned about whether the contractor cleaned up his work area and kept to his time line or whether the final invoice matched the estimate.
# 4 Request a Written Estimate
Get at least three estimates and then compare prices with what is included. Remember the lowest bidder is not always the best.
# 3 Check Licenses
A Good Contractor Will Provide Current Insurance. Obtain a current copy of the contractor’s insurances, including worker’s compensation, property damage and liability. Read them carefully, including the fine print.
# 2 Your Contractor will ALWAYS obtain the permits
Be wary if you are asked to obtain the building permit as owner/builder.
# 1 Sign a Written Contract
Sign a written contract. The contract should clearly describe all the steps the contractor will take from beginning to end of your job, what supplies are included, the payment schedule and the time line for the project.
BONUS: Don’t be Pressured
Be suspicious of a contractor who offers the fastest, cheapest job on a “you must act now” basis. This may be an indication of inferior materials and unfinished jobs or jobs taking too long to complete.
Advice, tips and ideas taken from:
