One of the best ways to find a contractor is to ask for referrals from people you trust. After narrowing down your list, set up appointments to meet and talk about your project.
You can also learn a lot about your potential contractor by observing how they interact with you. Pay attention to how they answer your questions, and how quickly they respond.
Ask for Referrals
Asking friends and family for recommendations is one of the most reliable ways to find a contractor. Find out if they were happy with their experience and whether the project was finished on time and within budget. However, it is important to note that a long period of time in the industry doesn’t necessarily mean that a renovation expert has the experience to handle your job, Check out the post right here. Another question to ask is how long a contractor has been in business and how many projects they have completed.
You should also ask what steps a contractor will take to protect your home during the remodeling process. This includes relocating furniture, putting tarps over carpeting, and locking up doors to keep out pests. Lastly, it is important to ensure that all contractors are getting the necessary permits for their work. If the city discovers that unpermitted renovations are being done, the entire project may have to be halted.
Look at Their Work
Some states require contractor licensing, registration or certification, and this information is often available online. A quick call to your local building department may also reveal if your pro has ever been issued a permit for your project.
When you meet with potential contractors, ask to see their past renovations. Look for projects similar to yours, and pay special attention to whether they were finished on time and budget.
If you get the impression that a contractor is defensive or doesn’t want to discuss their work, don’t hire them. A good contractor will be open and honest with you.
Also, be sure to get everything in writing. The contract should include a detailed description of the job, timelines, milestones, payment schedules and an agreement on the amount of work to be completed. Getting this in writing prevents miscommunication and disputes that can arise during a home improvement project. It also protects you if you decide to fire your contractor.
Check with the BBB
Homeowners love making improvements to their homes, but finding a good contractor can be challenging. Reviews can be misleading, and it’s often hard to tell if a contractor is licensed and insured. It’s best to ask plenty of questions, and make sure everything is in writing.
If you’re not satisfied with the answers to your questions, contact the BBB for a list of local contractors who have been accredited. This can give you an idea of their reputation and reliability, says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. You should also check whether they belong to a professional trade association, which may require them to follow a code of ethics.
You should also ask how long they expect the project to take and if they’ll be using subcontractors for specialty work such as plumbing or electrical. This is important because if something goes wrong, you want to be sure that you can get someone to fix it quickly.
Ask for References
Most people know that asking for references is a good idea, but many don’t follow through. Maybe they think it’s imposing or that they don’t really want to waste time on such a minor task, but the truth is that talking with past customers can tell you a lot about a contractor.
It is best if you can meet in person, but even a short conversation over the phone will give you a feel for the individual. Be prepared with a list of questions to ask, and try not to be overly pushy or demanding.
A good reference should be willing to share information about the quality of the work, if it was completed on time and within budget, and how well they worked with the homeowners. It should also be willing to answer any other questions you may have about the project. If they are reluctant to do so, it might be a red flag that they are not very honest or reliable.