When it comes to home improvement, some projects are simply too big to tackle on your own. If you are thinking about hiring a contractor to help you with a project, it is important to know that you are receiving quality, reliable service.
In this guide, I’ll discuss six of the most important things to keep in mind when hiring a contractor.
How to hire a contractor
Whether you are remodeling your home, dealing with plumbing problems, or repairing your roof, you may need professional help. Regardless of how big or small the project is, hiring a quality contractor can make a big difference.
No matter what you’re buying, you always want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. Unfortunately, when it comes to contractors, the cheapest option is not always the best.
Consider the following six tips to find the best person for the job. Also, be sure to print or bookmark our Checklist pending tasks for hiring a contractor: for Keep these tips in mind as you move through the hiring process.
1. Research and collect information
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to hiring a contractor, ask your family, friends and neighbors for recommendations.
also can consult reliable online resources such as Home Advisor, Angi, Thumbtack or TaskRabbit. These websites allow you to search for contractors by the type of service you are looking for. You can read trusted reviews, view contractor credentials, and get estimated price quotes.
No matter how you end up finding potential options, be thorough in your research and Be sure to only consider insured and qualified contractors. If you are hiring through a company, confirm that their employees and subcontractors have had background checks, been trained, and are certified.
Once you’ve found a few contractors who look good on paper, it’s time to reach out. Can interview potential contractors by phone or meet with them in person. Find out if they can complete your project, if they have reliable references, how many other projects they are currently working on, and how long they have been working as contractors. This will help you narrow down your initial list.
2. Check references
Now that you have a few contractors you are considering, you will want to check their references.
“The referrals are excellent, and people are very proud of the work they’ve done on their homes,” says money expert Clark Howard. “What I like for people to do is get a reference sheet with the dates the work was done.”
If possible, call some references and talk about the project(s) the contractor has done for them. Be sure to ask about the service, overall experience, and quality of work. Also, find out if the contractor stuck to the original estimated budget and project completion date.
It is also important know the dates of a contractor’s previous projects so you can see if there are any big time gaps between projects. If there are six blank months on the cheat sheet, find out what happened during that time. A dissatisfied customer’s name could have been removed from the list.
3. Visit previous projects
Once you’ve contacted references and narrowed down your list even further, you may want to consider visiting some project sites where your “finalist” contractors worked.
“I like that you go see the work that a contractor you’re thinking of hiring has done for other people,” Clark recommends. “Even if they’ve done good quality work, you may not like their style or taste.”
Of course, it’s best to catch any red flags before making a final decision, especially if you’re working on a big project. Seeing what contractors have done for other people can really help you make an informed decision.
If possible, also try reviewing a current job site. This will tell you a lot about how a contractor works, what your next project site may be like, and give you a better overall idea of what to expect.
4. Get multiple quotes
Before hiring a contractor, be sure to get multiple price quotes. Just like anything else, It is important to compare prices to so you know you are not paying more (or less) for a service.
To get an accurate estimate, include as many details as possible about the project.
“When you get quotes, the quotes have to be very specific,” Clark says. “It seems to me that where people really get into trouble with a contractor is when they take a standard form they found on the Internet and put something like ‘rebuild deck,’ and that’s all they say.”
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as going with the lowest price when it comes to home improvement projects. In fact, it is a safe rule to assume that you will get what you pay for in terms of contract work. If there is an extremely low offer in the mix, you may want to rule out that option.
5. Focus on the details
Being as specific as possible is important during every step of the process when it comes to hiring a contractor. Once you’ve found a strong potential candidate, it becomes even more important to discuss the exact details of the project.
“The more specific you are, the more likely you are to find the right contractor and get a better result,” Clark reminds.
Plan the project in advance with your contractor and plan all the details in writing. Find out when the contractor will start, how long the project should take, what materials will be used and what color stain, paint or finish, etc. This is the best way to ensure that you will be satisfied with the outcome of the project.
The more details you can include in the initial plans, the fewer surprises you will have along the way. Avoid unexpected expenses, delays and communication errors by getting everything in writing and be as specific as possible.
6. Organize a payment schedule
Once you’ve found the perfect contractor for your job, be sure to agree on a payment schedule. This is another way to avoid potential communication errors.
Although the contractor will most likely require an initial payment, you do not want to pay up front in full. In fact, make sure your final payment isn’t due until after the work is completed. This will help ensure that you are satisfied with the final product.
Finally, try to pay in a way that leaves an easy-to-follow paper trail. Use a card or checks instead of paying cash.
Final thoughts
While hiring a contractor may seem like an entire project on its own, you should feel confident in your choice after following these six steps.
To create your initial list of potential contractors, reach out to friends and check reliable online sources. Collect as much information as possible about each contractor, including a list of past references with dates and verified credentials/insurance.
If possible, visit the previous or current work sites of the contractors you are seriously considering. And before you make your final decision, be sure to get multiple price quotes.
Stay focused on the details throughout the process, but especially when it comes to paperwork. Get everything in writing, including a payment schedule you have agreed upon with your contractor. Make sure your final payment is not due until after the project is complete.
Print or bookmark our Contractor Hiring To-Do List to keep these tips in mind as you move through the hiring process.