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How To Choose A Contractor
A home improvement project can be very stressful. Make it less stressful by choosing your contractor carefully.
- Check with friends who have done similar work to the job that you are contemplating. See how satisfied they were
with the contractor. If you don't have any friends who had that type of work done, you'll have to resort to the local
contractors website, check you local government office for contractors licence
- Call contractors that pass the BBB
test and get bids. Be sure to give the job details the same way with each contractor so you won't be comparing "apples
and oranges". Get a list of references, that is recently completed jobs the contractor has done that are similar to yours.
- Select
the best bid. The best bid is not always the lowest, as the quality of materials may differ. Examine the proposals carefully.
- Call
the references given by the contractor you picked. See how satisfied the customers were with the job. If there were complaints
about the job, or the contractor was unable to give any references, consider the "second best" bid instead.
- Verify
that the contractor you choose is licensed / bonded and insured.
- Read the contract carefully. Ask questions about
anything you don't understand, and don't be shy about asking for changes to the contract. You are the customer.
- Make
sure the contract lists specifics of your job. List brand names of supplies, type and quantity of items to be installed,
Drawings and Sketches etc. Will your contractor do the painting after something is installed or subcontract with somebody
else, or leave you to secure the painting?
- Include cleanup and debris removal in the contract.
- Note any follow-up
or guarantees the contract provides.
- Obtain a liability of insurance certificate made out in your name.
The insurance companies give these out on a regular basis. Do not be timid to ask for it. It is the only sure proof of insurance
no matter what is written on the truck!
- Make sure that the contractor obtains any necessary building permits. If he/she
will be digging, make sure he/she checks underground utilities.
- Once you are satisfied with the contract, sign it
and give the contractor his deposit by check. If you decide to give a cash deposit, be sure to get a receipt.
- On many
projects there is no need to give a deposit. In any case, do not let the payments get ahead of the job. Payment should be
done on a completed basis: say the job is 25% done (the contract should describe what that is), then pay 25%, etc. The only
exception is for customized material which a contractor cannot return.
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- Do not rely on verbal promises. Get everything in writing. That way, there will be no misunderstandings and your
position will be much stronger if, heaven forbid, you have to go to court to resolve a problem.
- Do not pay for the
full job in advance. Most contractors on small projects will require a small deposit upon signing, half upon actually beginning
the job and the remainder on completion. On larger jobs, such as a room addition, the payment will be broken into thirds at
certain "benchmarks", such as one third upon beginning, a third upon completion of framing, rough plumbing and rough
electrical, and the final third upon completion.
- Make sure the contractor has an office with working hours and a physical
address not just a working truck with a cell number. That way you can go to the office or call and have some one always there
to pick up the phone and resolve any issue you may have.
- What may seem cheap now can end up costing you more
in the long run. make sure you spend you money wisely now rather than later.
- Tips after you choose a contractor:
make sure they show up on time, that he is respectful and knowledgeable of the work. They take time to explain and listen
to the customer. Make sure they return your calls promptly and answers and questions you make have carefully
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