Do you need to make some renovations? Here are a few tips on how to hire the right person for the job.
Try to get at least 3 estimates.
- You may not necessarily hire the person with the lowest bid, but it’s good to know if their price is reasonable.
Check their references.
- Good contractors will always have references, and lots of them.
- Call 3-5 references to hear how their projects turned out.
- Did the contractor follow the terms of the contract?
- Was the project completed on time?
- If there was a problem on the job, was it corrected?
Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- What is their BBB Rating?
- Are there any complaints on file?
- Is the contractor accredited with the BBB?
- For more information, check out: http://www.bbb.org/us/consumers/
Get a contract.
- Even if it’s a small job, you’ll want to protect yourself.
- Contracts should list the work being done, a description of the materials to be used, the cost of the job, as well as a completion date.
Confirm that the contractor is licensed and insured before signing the contract. Many states have the license information available on a website. Contractors can provide you with a copy of their insurance information. Contractors should have general liability insurance, as well as workman’s comp insurance. Confirm that this covers employees, or people who will assist the sole proprietor.
Be careful of contractors who do not want to file the required permits with your city or town, or ask you to file for the permit. In my opinion, permits protect the homeowner. Usually the contractor will file the paperwork, and the town inspector will issue a permit. Depending on the project, the work may need to be inspected. I insist on having a permit in place, and won’t make the final payment to the contractor until the work has been inspected and approved.
There are so many great contractors available. Don’t let the bad ones spoil your project. Just be sure to do your homework, and you’ll be sure to hire the right contractor.