Tips on Hiring a Good Contractor
When you are planning a remodel or and addition to your home, few people have the knowledge, expertise, and time to do it completely themselves. I wrote in April 2009's ToM (Tip of the Month), on how to plan your renovation, and I mentioned that a good contractor is key to the success of your project. Below are some great tips on finding the right person/company to do the best job for you.
- Do not go to the yellow pages and just "pick someone!" This might be fine for finding a hair stylist, but this is your home we are talking about! Ask friends, family, or neighbors who have had work done in the last 3 years who they recommend, what kind of work they do, and if they are satisfied with the completed project.
- Narrow your list to 2-3 contractors. Once you have the list whittled down, set up an interview with them. Don't just get a bid for the work and materials; ask to see any applicable licenses, liability insurance certificate, and ask them for 3 references (namely jobs they have completed in the last 2 years).
- Call the reference you have gotten from from the contractor. Ask them what job they performed for them, if the contractor stayed on budget (if not, attempt to find out the reason), if the job was completed in a timely fashion, and if you would hire him again for another project.
- Once you have selected a contractor, go over the bid together in detail. Be proactive and ask specifically what materials they are using. If you don't know what something is, ask! It is going into your house, and you have every right to know exactly what it is! Additionally, go over specific finishing materials such as moulding, paint, flooring, ect, to ensure that you are getting exactly what you pay for.
- Also, be sure your contract specifies who pays for what. We have personally seen too many cases where people sign a contract for work being done, assuming that materials are included, and they are not.
- Never, under any circumstances, pay your contractor the entire amount due for the project before they start! Typically, a down payment is required for most projects, and can vary from 10% up to 30%. Depending on the size of the project, you may also make payment in the middle (for materials used, ect.) . Always pay the remainder, at least 10% or more, at the end of the project, when the work has been completed to your satisfaction.
