5 Tips for Finding a Fair Contractor

Date: January 27, 2014

When it comes to home renovations, we all don’t have the time nor do we all possess the skills to conquer projects on our own. Finding a contractor can be a challenge, that’s where we’re faced with the delicate situation of hiring someone who is fair and will satisfy our expectations. These helpful tips will assist you in making the right decision when it comes down to the hire.

1. Compile a List of Referrals

There are various ways to gather information about potential contractors.

Reaching out to family and friends to obtain referrals is one of the most convenient ways to find a reputable contractor. By talking to people you trust and have recently remodeled their own homes is a great way to get both visual and verbal ideas for your own project.

2. Interview Potential Candidates

To get a good feel for potential candidates and feel comfortable with someone before he/she enters your home, you can conduct phone interviews.

Here are a few example questions that you may want to ask your candidates:

• Ask how long they have been in business. This will give you an idea of how experienced they are at what they do which in turn could help reflect how satisfied you will be with the final product.
• Ask if they’re licensed & registered with the state. Each state has different requirements but it is important to know that they are abiding by the correct rules and regulations to steer clear of any fines that could arise.
• Ask how many projects like yours they’ve completed in the past year. Asking this will give you a good idea of their specialties.
• Ask for a list of references. If they give you a solid list of at least three customers, it will give you the opportunity to reach out and get the opinions of past clients and possibly even view some of the contractors completed work.

3. Look for Red Flags

Being aware of the tactics that are commonly used by contractors that leave their customers unsatisfied is a smart move. Below are a few of the many red flags to look out for before the contractor conducts any further business:

• If they are soliciting door-to-door and offer you discounts
• If there is a demand to be paid in cash
• If they pressure you to make a decision fast
• If they offer a really low price

It’s important to keep in mind that you’re looking for someone who will provide you with value, not necessarily the bare minimum price.

4. Narrow down Your Findings

This is the time to reflect on what you’ve discovered so far. Take a look at your notes from the calls you’ve made, the projects you’ve seen and the advice you’ve been given and narrow your list down to three. Then, choose the contractor that is going to give you the best value and highest level of comfort.

5. Finalize the Deal

Once you’ve chosen the contractor right for you, get the agreement in writing. A formal contract helps protect you in case anything goes wrong. Typically, payments are paid in thirds. One third is given upfront, one third when they are half way done with the project and one third when the job is complete.

Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes:

• The contractor’s name, address and phone number
• Details of a start and estimated completion dates
• A payment schedule
• Information regarding necessary permits
• A detailed list of all materials that will be needed for the project
• The date it was composed

Now that you have a chunk of knowledge under your belt and you’re aware of some of the potential scams that may arise, you should almost be ready to seek out the ideal contractor for your project. Continue doing your research and follow these steps and hopefully the challenging process of finding a good contractor will dissipate.