In a previous article we discussed what type of contractor you need for your project. Whether you decided you need a Handyman, a Specialty Trade Contractor or a General Contractor, there are things to look out for to find a good one. I have prepared a list of 7 things to check for, and these are just the basics.
1. Google The Contractor
Nowadays it is so easy to find out what people are saying about contractors. I am not saying that all online reviews are legit, sometimes competitors do plant negative reviews. It is important to read the company responses to negative reviews, as this gives you a view about their professionalism. While you are at it, check if there are any complaints about the contractor on Better Business Bureau. But if you find that a lot of comments about the contractor on a variety of online forums are negative, and the contractor remains silent, beware!
2. How Does The Contractor Treat Phone Calls?
If in trying to reach a prospective contractor, you get voicemail every time, or your calls are not returned. Cross that one off your list and move to the next. He is either too popular and so won’t have time for your project, or he has no respect for your time. This situation will only get worse during the project.
3. Is the Contractor Licensed For The Work They Are Doing?
Check to make sure that the contractor is carrying appropriate licenses for the work they propose doing in your house. For example, in most jurisdictions only a licensed Electrician can perform electrical work as a service. Even a General Contractor has to subcontract electrical work to licensed electricians on projects. If a handyman, or non-electrical specialty tradesman does it for you, this could expose you to voiding your home insurance in case of a fire where electrical is at fault.
4. Confirm The Contractor’s Business Address
You should verify that they have a real-world address that you can find them at some point every week. This is only reasonable since they will be knowing your address. Do this to avoid fly-by-night contractors who just work out of the back of their truck and cannot be found after the project, when problems arise. Some smaller contractors do work out of their homes, and this is OK, as long as you can find them back in the future.
5. Ask For Insurances
The contractor has to carry liability insurance. Make sure that the liability amount that he is carrying covers more than the value of your house and its contents. Also, if he is not a lone tradesman or handyman, he will need to have workers compensation insurance.
6. Does The Contractor Listen Carefully?
This is very important as it affects whether you are being quoted for the job you described. The professional contractor will take notes and measurements so that he will accurately execute your wishes for the project.
7. Will He Provide A Written Contract?
A written contract for renovation services is always appropriate, unless the job is less than $1,500 in which case you can sign the estimate. But this is a protection for both you and the contractor, because this is the document that determines what the scope of work is and at what price.
Selecting a good contractor can be a time-consuming task. It is best to have renovations in mind well in advance so that you do not have to rush through the selection process. If you take your time and do due diligence, then you will likely have a positive experience. Happy hunting!