Where to Learn More About Reliable Contractors

The Importance of Hiring a Reliable Contractor

Home improvement fraud consistently ranks among the top five complaints received by the Attorney General's Office each year. Being well-informed can protect you or someone you know from being scammed by a contractor. Asking the right questions can provide you with peace of mind that is invaluable.

Understanding the Basics

There is a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best suit your needs. Due to this lack of understanding, homeowners can easily be taken advantage of by individuals posing as home improvement contractors. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you can trust the contractor you choose to provide you with sound advice about new products and procedures. Trusting your contractor with your vision may not always be straightforward. The key is to find the right contractor for your renovation from the start. Determining the reliability, reputation, and experience of the contractor may take some time, but it will be time well spent.

Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors

Hiring an unlicensed contractor is highly inadvisable. While their bid may come in lower than others, the end result often includes subpar materials and poor workmanship. Once the work is done, you may find the contractor is nowhere to be found, and you discover they were unlicensed. You could be held liable for on-the-job injuries or insurance issues. Not complying with city or county codes and correcting problems will also fall on you when dealing with an unlicensed contractor. You may even be held responsible for their illegal acts. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is risky, to say the least.

The Benefits of Licensed Contractors

Licensed contractors, on the other hand, are subject to laws designed to protect both you and your investment against empty promises and careless construction. Generally, most contractors are competent, honest, hard-working, financially responsible, and licensed.

Steps to Finding a Reliable Contractor

1. Detailed Plans: Maintain all your plans with accurate details for the contractor, which will enable them to price out the job correctly.
2. Multiple Bids: Always shop around and get at least three bids from licensed contractors.
3. Verify Licenses: Ask to see the contractor's license and ensure the bids include their license number. Verify their standing with the State license board before signing any contract or allowing work to begin.
4. Check References: Obtain written references from the contractor and contact those references to see if they were satisfied with the work. If possible, visit the sites to inspect the work yourself.
5. Written Contracts: Get everything in writing, including all changes, which should be signed by you. Understand what you are signing and ensure everything you requested is included in the contract. Do not rush the signing process, especially if you are unsure about any part of the contract.
6. Regular Inspections: Make frequent inspections of the project and conduct a final walk-through. Pay the contractor promptly upon satisfactory completion of the work.

Interesting Stats About Home Renovation

• According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the home improvement market in the U.S. was estimated to be worth $419 billion in 2020 (source).
• A survey by HomeAdvisor found that the average cost of a kitchen remodel in the U.S. is around $25,000, with high-end remodels costing upwards of $50,000 (source).
• The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that 80% of home improvement projects are initiated by homeowners aged 35-54 (source).

Conclusion

Finding a reliable contractor for your home renovation is crucial to ensure the success of your project and the safety of your investment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can minimize the risks and ensure that your home improvement project is completed to your satisfaction. Always remember to verify licenses, check references, and get everything in writing to protect yourself from potential fraud and subpar workmanship.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the complexities of home renovation with confidence and peace of mind.