How to choose a contractor? That’s the big question when you’re going to spend your cash to do a minor fix up or a major renovation. You want someone who is skilled, knowledgeable, efficient, honest and punctual. Here’s a checklist of the steps you should take when you choose your next contractor.
Contractor Research
It’s not about turning to the Yellow Pages or doing a keyword query via a major search engine. You will find names to call, advertisements and some helpful information in your phonebook or on the Internet, but you need to do some real research before you even consider someone for the job. When you start looking here’s what to do.
- Talk to friends and neighbors who have recently hired contractors and discuss every aspect of their experience, including pricing, schedule, workmanship, etc.
- Narrow your search by focusing on contractors who specialize in the type of work you’re looking to have done.
- Interview at least three different contractors. It’s best to meet them face-to-face. Ask each various questions, including those related to timeframe, pricing and selection of materials. Discuss how much experience they’ve had and if they subcontract any of their work. Get three references from each contractor.
- Call the references and interview them regarding their experience with the contractor and if they would hire them again. Be specific with your questions.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the contractor.
Room renovation
Contractor Standards
During the interview with the contractor, you can determine if they meet certain standards.
- Your contractor should be licensed. You can check with the city’s licensing division to make sure this is the case or the contractor can present you with a copy of their license.
- Ask the contractor for documentation regarding their Contractor's Certification, Worker's Compensation status and Liability Insurance certificate. The contractor should be able to present these to you. If you’re hiring someone who is certified in a specific area, the Contractor's Certification will confirm this. Your contractor should be carrying Workman’s Compensation insurance and liability.
Extensive interior renovation
Contractor Communication
- Discuss the entire job with potential contractors and get a written estimate from each.
- Once you decide on a contractor, you need to sign a contract with them. The contract should include the cost of the project, the materials that will be used, the scope of the work, the amount of time it will take to complete the process and the payment schedule.
Do the Work
If you want to make sure that you’re hiring the right person for the job, then you have to take on the responsibility of doing the work necessary to determine which person is the right one for the job. Doing so will go a long way in ensuring that your experience goes smoothly and you get the results that you want. |
