Hiring a contractor can be intimidating. Sometimes it may seem like there are a lot of options out there whereas there are frightening stories too. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than $4.1 billion was lost by the Americans in the past five years to fraud and scams. Homeowners must do their homework in choosing a home improvement contractor to save themselves from being scammed. Here read on 5 important things you must know when choosing a home improvement contractor that will help you ensure your project is a satisfying experience from start to finish.
Table of contents
1. Recommendations, references
You can start your search by asking friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors for references. This is the easiest way to get closer to the contractor you want to hire. People from your surroundings might have experience with the same home improvement project you want to work with for your home. They can help you with the details of the local contractor like how to contact them, what would be the cost of their service, how good their services are? Local contractors are the best choice as they will be knowledgeable of local building codes and laws.
2. Interview promising contractors
Interviewing multiple contractors is an important part of the process of hiring a contractor. Ask them questions about their experience of taking on a project of this scale, can they pull the necessary permits for the job, and how long they envision everything will take to finish the job.
As the interview, be positive to listen to their answers for assuredness and professionalism. As contractors will be coming into your home often, you want to choose someone that you’re comfortable with and at the same time skillful for the job. Also, check their previous history if they are filed with a charge of guilty in any scam and fraud.
3. Get written bids
After interviewing make sure to receive a written bid that includes details of materials, labor, permit, and other costs. Keep in mind that the lowest bid may not be your best to pick. Do your homework like how much your project may cost. Be sure to consider factors like experience and available work samples into account. Sometimes from the highest bid, you can be benefited the most in the long run.
4. Contract paper signing
Once you have selected the contractor that you feel is the best for your project, make sure to get the terms and conditions for the project written in a contract paper and signed by both parties. This contract must include details about the payment of the project, timing schedule, and the process to execute the project. Some conditions can be included also in case of emergencies. In case of any bad outcome of the project caused by the contractor, this contract paper will always give you the upper hand to take legal actions. From the professional point of view written terms protect both parties.
5. How you pay a contractor
Different states have different laws of paying upfront to the contractors. But usually, it stands below 30%. Never pay in cash. Try to pay in check or credit cards as they have a document of proof in case of an emergency in the future. You can also pay in the middle according to the terms and conditions agreed by both parties. Never make the full payment before the work is 100% completed.
Homeowners are you ready to hire a home improvement contractor. Choosing a great contractor cost time and research, but it’s well worth the effort. Dealing with someone professional, experienced, and trustworthy. It will help you to overcome a lot of stress in an already stressful situation and secure the service you are paying for.
Good
- License is "clean" and has no legal actions against it.
- Contractor is punctual and organized.
- Contractor will do his best to implement your design ideas into the actual construction.
- Everything offered is well-documented and contract covers every basis.
- Provides official, written estimates.
Bad
- License has legal issues or complaints at the state issuer.
- Disorganized and untimely.
- Does not abide to city/state building codes or permitting.
- Bad reputation online or at the BBB.
