Hiring Contractors
Hiring a contractor for your home repair can be stressful. Everyone tells you how it should be done. You'll have different prices thrown at you, different methods, and different opinions on what you should do. As contractors ourselves we want to help you feel more confident in the hiring process. We will discuss what to look for, what to consider, and how to get your project started on the right foot.
Information
The first thing you should do when it comes to your homes repair is inform yourself. Knowledge is your best friend, if you do not understand what repairs your home will need, hiring the right contractor will be difficult. So, inform yourself. Educating yourself on the repair itself can help you to distinguish a skilled contractor from and unskilled contractor. It will also help to keep you from falling prey to many different upsell approaches. Understanding the basic need of your repair, and the basic repair method will help you on the road to hiring a skilled contractor who will do the job right.
Sometimes there may be a problem, but you may not be able to identify what the problem is, or what ultimately will need repairing. Call a couple local professionals to come and give you a free estimate. Have them inspect the issue and give you their repair solutions. Now you have the start, and can begin looking into what the repair entails, methods, and materials. This information will help you to communicate your expectations more clearly and avoid hiring a contractor who may not be repairing your home to standard.
Communication
There are few things worse than people missing appointments without communicating or failing to complete a job as promised. Communication is one of the most important skills a potential contractor can have. Do they return you phone calls in a timely manner? Did they show up for your appointment on time, or call and inform you when they ran late? A contractor who communicates shows they are behind their business, they value your time, and will get your job done right.
References
Before considering hiring any contractor, it is important to explore their reputation. Do they have a history of completing projects on time? Is their customer service good? Are they in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? In the digital age, finding a little bit of background on your potential contractor has never been easier. Checking in on their recent reviews, their history, or consulting with others that have used their services will help you avoid hiring someone who may potentially cost you time and money.
Get Multiple Quotes
Very few of us know the average cost of most home repair projects. When you get your first price, you’ll wonder if it is too high. How would you know if you were being taken advantage of? How can you inform yourself on the price to do the work? Get at least three quotes! Obtaining multiple quotes on your project is beneficial for many reasons, but most importantly it will paint a picture of the going rate for the repair you need. It may also help you to see if any of your potential contractors are preposing different methods of repair. Just be certain when you are comparing price, your comparing similar materials, and methods. Be cautious of a price too low, or a price too high in your consideration. Some may be using a subpar repair method, while others may be attempting to overcharge.
Make Sure They Are Licensed and Insured
A contractor should be able to furnish you with necessary license and insurance information. Before you start work on any project, make sure you request a certificate of insurance (COI). This will help ensure you are dealing with a professional company and protect you from any liability should an accident occur on your property.
Take Time Making Your Decision
You have gathered your information and now the time has come to decide. It is important that you do not rush into making any decisions when hiring a contractor. Do not let aggressive sales tactics, and high-pressure contracts force you to decide. A good contractor will allow you the space and time to make the decision that is best for you. Be considerate when making your decision. Ask yourself what materials you want used, how quickly would you like the project completed, do you trust the company will stand behind their work? Always be sure to reach out to a contractor with any questions you may have, concerning your project, before you sign the contract.
If you find yourself in an emergency repair situation, and do not have the luxury of time to consider the best contractor for the job, don’t panic! Try consulting your neighbors to see if they have someone they can recommend from the past. All homes run into issues, so chances are they will be able to point you towards the right direction. In the case you do not have neighbors to call on, consulting the internet is a good second option. The online community is full of recommendations, especially when it comes to repair. If you are forced to make a quick decision, utilizing online resources can help you to quickly identify a skilled contractor.
Once you have your project completed be sure to keep your contract and the contractor’s information on file. You may need to call on them for a future repair or may need it should your repair require warranty work. Keeping your home repair contract on file will ensure you always have the information on hand.
As Always,
We appreciate you taking the time to read, and hope that you will enjoy visiting our guide. Stop by often to stay up to date on our latest home repair and maintenance tips. As always, whether you subscribe or just send an email, we would love to hear from you! Tell us about your own experiences, the projects you have, and what you want to explore next!
I thought it was intriguing that you mentioned See if any of your neighbors know of anyone they would recommend from the past. Since problems arise in all homes, chances are they can help guide you in the right direction. If you don’t have any neighbors you can call, looking things up online is a good backup plan. I wanted it removed as soon as possible because my driveway was destroyed. When searching for contractors to hire for concrete truck washout solutions, I’ll bear this in mind. http://curbdesigninc.com/
Elle Jones on
I’m glad you mentioned that you should try asking your neighbors if they know of anyone they’d recommend. Since problems arise in all homes, chances are they can help guide you in the right direction. If you don’t have any neighbors you can call, looking things up online is a good backup plan. Recommendations abound in the online community, particularly about repair. My dad needs a professional to ensure clean and precise cuts when he wants to make an opening for a new window in our living room, which is why he’s interested in brick wall-cutting services. It will improve the room’s overall aesthetics and bring in more natural light. I’ll send this to him for help. https://saccardo.com.au/our-projects/
Elle Jones on
It really helped when you suggested we check the license and insurance of a contractor before hiring one. My aunt and uncle want to remove their old patio and install a new one next month because it got damaged during the last storm. I’ll share your information with them to ensure they find a certified concrete contractor for their project. https://www.aaucartconcrete.com/
Eli Richardson on
This month, we’d like to focus on improving our patio by removing the old patio and installing a new one with a fire pit, so we’re interested in finding a concrete contractor soon. We’re relieved that you elaborated on ensuring that a contractor is licensed and insured before hiring one, so we’ll follow your insight to find one next week. Thanks. http://www.mershonconcrete.com/ready-mix-concrete
Eli Richardson on