What To Look For When Choosing a Contractor
Choosing a contractor can be a harrowing experience. It seems that your
job is either too big for the small time handyman, or too small for the
larger services. There are some pivotal interview questions to ask your
contractor to make sure that you have found the right fit. When making
improvements to your home or business, you want to make sure you have a
contractor you can trust.
Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement. By asking around, you will
get a candid response to the overall remodel project you took on. Look for
someone who comes with praise from the start to finish of the project. If
you can’t locate someone by word of mouth, make sure to check references.
Make an appointment with your potential contractor. They should be willing
to come to your site and give an estimate in writing for the project. You
should be present at this inspection / estimate to ensure that you and your
contractor have the same vision in mind for the finished job.
Your contractor should be willing to consult with you as well. He should be
willing to give advise, let you know any risks, be aware of the permits
required in your area, and give you the exact outcome of the job. This will
include price and the finished “picture”.
Any estimates should be given in writing. This will protect both you and the
contractor. Your estimate should be broken into specific sections, including
the total work, labor, and materials. There should also be a detailed memo
regarding the final expectations. This way, if for any reason there was a
problem for either party, both are protected with this estimate.
Check the contractor for bonding and liability coverage. Liability should
cover any damage or injuries (to the contractor or the homeowner) that
occurs. Don’t be shy about asking to see information about the liability
information.
Once you have your bids in from several different contractors, determine who
is giving you the best value for your dollar. Don’t necessarily go for the
lowest bid until you have decided that it is the best value. It may be
better to go with someone a little more expensive if the projected project
seems like a better fit. Don’t forget to factor in references with your
decision as well.
Make sure that you will be allowed to make on site inspections throughout
the process. This will allow you the opportunity to bring up any concerns as
they arise. It may save a lot of trouble later if your plans aren’t meshing.
No matter how much you trust your contractor, make sure to do a thorough end
of project inspection. Look at the work, and write down any issues. Contact
your contractor with any fixes that need to be made so it can be taken care
of right away.
Taking the time to get references and meet with several different
contractors will help you find the right handyman for your needs. Once you
establish a relationship, you can work together for the long term. Make the
time investment to find the right person for your project. It will pay off
over and over!