We know how difficult and frustrating it can be to find a qualified or experienced contractor! I’m sure most of you have heard many horror stories from friends and family and most of them have probably been true! But it does not have to be like that. While it’s not easy to find the right, ethical, and competent contractor to work on your home or business, you CAN, so read on for some practical advice!
Real world information is very hard to find when you start your search. Newspaper and magazine articles are well-meaning, but none of them can give you real testimonials and experiences from past clients who have worked with a particular contractor.
We have put together a quick checklist for you below:
GET REFERENCES!
The best way to get started is through friends and family. However, these references must also be qualified and verified. For example, your friend may have used a large contractor for their garage addition, but may have no idea if the company also has experience with kitchen cabinets and tile replacement. You should find out if the company referred to also has experience in the specific job you are interested in doing.
Hardware stores and material manufacturers are also a good resource. But once again, be sure to check references and portfolios.
Engineers, architects, and other contractors in similar industries are also an excellent resource. Again, check all references and experience, regardless of how good the reference sounds.
Spend some time and research each candidate. Check with search engines for anything you can find. And most important of all, trust your instincts.
PREPARE QUOTATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS
If you’re serious about finding a good contractor, it’s important to be realistic about your budget and the work you can afford to complete.
Any professional contractor and tradesman will appreciate the fact that you have prepared your specifications ahead of time and will be more responsive as a result. He/she will also be able to quickly determine if he can afford what he wants, help determine how much of what he wants is possible within his budget, and ensure that everyone he is interviewing is looking at the same job. . Often times, contractors seem unreliable or insensitive because clients don’t seem to be serious about the work they need or have no idea how much things will actually cost. Do your homework ahead of time and you’ll get a much better answer.
CHECK REFERENCES!
We CANNOT stress enough how important this step is! Before you give your final word and sign on the dotted line, be sure to follow these steps:
1. Make sure your contractor is INSURED for both worker’s compensation and general liability. Do not take the contractor’s word for it or accept a copy of a contractor’s letter of insurance. The only sure way is to get the name of the contractor’s insurance company, look up the number in the phone book, and then call and ask for a certificate of insurance. The carrier will be happy to mail you one.
two. Check the contractor’s professional associations. For example, contractors who are members of NARI (the National Association of the Remodeling Industry) are often the type that take pride in their professional credentials.
3. Find out how long the contractor has been in business. Many small businesses go out of business in less than a year. Make sure your contractor doesn’t run out of capital on their work.
Four. Call the company bank and find out if your account has been handled responsibly.
5. Find out how long the contractor has been working with your team. A long-standing crew is a sign that his contractor treats his workers well and that there shouldn’t be a revolving door on his project. He wants to avoid the “learning curve” that new hires bring to an ongoing project as much as possible.
6. Find out what the contractor’s staff will handle and what will be outsourced. Get the names of the subcontractors and call them. Ask if the contractor pays on time. How trustworthy is he? Also ask for the names of the suppliers and consult the contractor with them.
7. Find out how many other projects the contractor will be working on simultaneously if you decide to hire them. Will the contractor be able to spend the time he needs on your project?
8. Ask the contractor for references to projects similar to yours and give them a call. Was the site kept clean? Did the contractor pay his bills? Would he work with this contractor again? Ask if you can visit to see the results of the project.
And finally, like everything, follow your instinct. For more information on how to find good contractors, return to the second part of this article where we will discuss how to negotiate a good contract before starting the job.
Good luck and happy building and remodeling.