Hiring a contractor is an important decision. When you're ready to update your kitchen, create an addition, or knock down some walls, you need the help of the pros. Unfortunately, not all contractors are created equally, so it's crucial if you're going to hire a contractor to make sure they're reputable. This means they should have experience and be able to show you examples of projects they've done in the past. They should also have references from previous clients who can talk in an unbiased way about their experiences with them. Here are some tips for finding a great local contractor.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals are one of the best ways to find exceptional talent in general. And when it comes to hiring a contractor, it's especially important. Friends and family can be great resources for finding honest, reliable contractors. They've likely dealt with some of the same problems you're facing, so they'll know who to trust and who not to trust around their own homes.
If you don't know anyone well enough to ask them personally or if they don't have any good recommendations, then reach out to your real estate agent instead. The same goes for your local chamber of commerce or building department; they should be able to direct you toward those types of companies that are already familiar with the area's building codes and regulations. You can be confident that you won't be running into any issues with local authorities when you hire these contractors or companies. Even if the contractor you've hired isn't from around the area, they should still be able to get up to speed quickly and efficiently if they're referred by a trusted source.
Additionally, you can try asking your local home builders association or home improvement store for some suggestions. Often these places have lists of preferred vendors that specialize in things like carpentry or plumbing as well as general contracting services such as painting.
Meet With the Contractors
An in-person meeting is critical. You should interview 2-3 contractors before making a final decision. Meet with each of them and ask questions about their experience, their license, and the type of warranty they offer on their work. You should also ask if they are insured as well. Do not choose a contractor without insurance. You would assume all the liability if something were to happen to your home while they are making repairs; odds are, your homeowner's insurance would not cover the damage. You'll also get a feel for how they communicate, how well they listen, and how experienced they are.
Check References
When choosing contractors who will do work in your home, it is important that you check their references. In some cases, you can even visit one of the homes where they've worked to see how well they did the job and how satisfied the customers were. These references are a vital part of the process. Just like employers check references for potential employees, you can check references for potential contractors. You can interview some employees to get a better feel for their work overall. All of these tips can help you determine if the contractor is qualified for the job or not.
Get a Written Estimate
It's essential to get things in writing. Any agreements, contracts, estimates, etc., should all be in writing. Written estimates should cover all aspects of the job and include materials, labor costs, and a timeline for completion. Additionally, they should include any warranties associated with the work, and some companies offer a warranty if something about their work fails later. For larger projects, it's also essential to have a payment schedule listed on the estimate as well.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Unbiased reviews are a great way to get more information about what it was like working with the contractor. Read through their website, and flip through photos of projects completed by the contractor over the years.
Read reviews. Read reviews on Yelp or Angie's List to see what past customers have said about them. You want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Reading through multiple reviews will help you determine if they have what it takes to do your job and if the experience will be an overall positive one.
Check out their BBB profile as well. Based on customer feedback, the Better Business Bureau keeps track of businesses' reputations across North America. They are an opportunity for customers to hear their complaints if the company gives them the runaround. You can see how many complaints have been filed against the company and if the complaints were settled satisfactorily.
Check Their Licensing
A reputable business should have not only the legal right to operate as a business in the state you're in but should also have professional licensing. Contractors are a regulated industry, so check to make sure their license is still active and that there are no complaints against them. You can also check to see if they have membership in professional organizations. Using these can help you decide if they have the professional qualifications to do the job you need. If you want eco-friendly repairs, specialized materials, or even Las Vegas, Denver, or Phoenix insulation installation, you need a professional you can trust.
Conclusion
When hiring a contractor, there are many things that you can do to ensure that you're getting the best person for the job. One of the most important is interviewing them in person and getting a detailed estimate written down. Once they've given you their estimate, check their references and see if they have any testimonials from past clients, find out whether or not they carry insurance, ask for documentation of membership in trade organizations and professional associations and look at licenses from state or local regulatory agencies.
You want to make sure your prospective contractor meets all the requirements for operating as a business and doing work on other people's properties without having any problems with liability. And if you think your choice will be limited by price or length of time for the job, remember that most small contractors offer more competitive prices than large ones. The best way to find out which one fits your budget and schedule is to ask.
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