subject: Choosing Appropriate And Reliable Home Contractors [print this page] First and foremost, you will want to find a contractor who specializes in the particular job that you wish to accomplish. Many contractors are capable of doing multiple chores, but you will often find that their expertise lies in one area. Ask about previous jobs they have performed to ensure that they have actual experience doing similar jobs to the one that you will be hiring them for. Ask friends and co-workers for referrals if necessary.
After narrowing your search down to a handful of qualified contractors, research their reputation and see if there are any consumer complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Keep in mind that some homeowners will file unjust complaints, so follow the documentation and see if the issues were later resolved after initial complaints. In addition, do not hesitate to simply ask your preferred contractor about any problems on file that you become aware of. There are often suitable explanations of what may have gone wrong.
Ask to see licenses from your chosen contractor, including state or city requirements for conducting business in your area. Some locations may require additional certifications for some jobs, such as electrical or dealing with hazardous materials. Make sure the license is current and ask for a photocopy of it.
You will want to hire a contractor who carries insurance, not only on their work but liability insurance on any worker that they hire who will be on your property. You do not want to get the surprise of being sued for a worker who is injured while performing the job. Also, ask if the contractor is bonded. Not all will be, due to the expense of getting bonded, but decide if the lower quote offered by an unbonded contractor is worth the potential risk.
Get specific quotes for your job in writing. Make sure that the contract covers everything needed from start to finish, and makes an allowance for cost overruns. It needs to be clear who will be responsible if the project goes over budget, and how the project will be completed if you do not agree on rising costs. Also, put a time commitment in writing for how long it will take for completion, as well as what the penalties will be if the job takes longer than promised. This can include discounts for each day that the project is delayed.
Compare the quotes that you get with other contractors who may be competing for your business. If a second or third quote comes in considerably less, do not hesitate to ask your chosen contractor for a price reduction or for other compensations such as upgraded materials or extra touches.
Taking the time to do these things beforehand can significantly reduce the risk of problems in your home improvement projects. The entire experience can be enjoyable and satisfying for everyone involved, so do your homework and then reap the benefits for years to come.
