Six Tips For Hiring A Contractor

All consumers want to know that everything they purchase is top quality. That goes for the people they hire to do work in their homes. Here are six tips to help you in hiring the best contractor around.

1. If you have heard it before and you ignored it then you need to hear it again- hire a contractor who has a license. Do what is necessary to confirm that the contracting professional is definitely licensed, as well as bonded and has the appropriate type and amount of insurance coverage.

2. Know how much your budget is before anything gets started. Prepare your budget in advance of hiring a contractor and make sure that you have some money in reserve in case something unexpected comes up during the project that requires cash.

3. Let your fingers do the walking- through the phone book and over the computer keys that is. Shop around for the right contracting individual. You should make it your aim to get at least three or four estimates or bids. It is essential that the bids you get relate to the same things. In other words, they should all be based around the same type of work and the same kinds of materials. If the amounts for each bid varies a great deal then you need to find out why. Ask questions.

4. Asking for references never goes out of style. It is a safe practice that can prevent you from suffering grief later on. Place calls to trade associations in your area and ask people you know for contractor referrals. When you meet with contracting professionals ask them to provide you with the names of past clients of theirs that you can talk with. You might also ask to see past examples of their work.

5. A verbal contract will not do. Insist that a written contract be drawn up. The contract needs to include the license number for the contractor, the price for the project, the beginning and end date, a description of the work that is to be done and a list of the materials that will be used. To be a responsible consumer you need to protect your rights. Get all guarantees, promises and the like in writing.

6. Before the work in your residence gets underway take it upon yourself to find out if it complies with the city as well as the county codes in your area. If a building permit will be a necessary aspect of the work then speak with the contracting individual who is responsible for seeing that all of the proper paperwork is filed. It is your job to become acquainted with all of the responsibilities and the risks that are inherent in an owner-builder home improvement project.