TOP TIPS FOR HIRING A HOME CONTRACTOR

Taking the measure of a man, woman or crew that you choose to repair, remodel or renovate your home is not always an easy calculation. As with any profession, contractors come in all shapes, sizes and integrity levels. Keeping your business relationship on the straight and narrow requires commitment, confidence and homework on both sides. Follow these quick tips for a successful project before hiring your next handyman or contractor:

1. Clearly understand and spell out what you want from the project.
 Your contractor will use this information to define your price points,
 identify what subcontractors might be needed and develop a timeline for
 completion. Get commitment up front regarding accessibility,
 dependability and quality.
 Word to the wise: If you change your mind halfway through the project,
 your price and timeframe WILL change accordingly.

2. Get everything in writing. A professional contractor leaves nothing to chance and will take the time to include the full spectrum of what is and is NOT covered in a contractual agreement. This protects you as well as the contractor and eliminates the “he said, she said” issues that can occur with verbal agreements. Be sure to work with contractors who are willing to pull the appropriate permits; building without official permits can cause real trouble when it comes time to sell your home.

3. Make sure your contract includes dates. Specifically define your timelines for the work being done, allowing reasonable leeway for changes and/or acts of nature.

4. Don’t pay too much up front. Most contractors will request a reasonable deposit when the contract is signed.
 If the bulk of the expense is labor, the percentage might be lower than for a job that requires costly materials and equipment. Address progress payment dates up front so that additional payments are made as certain milestones
 are reached. This can be a great motivator to keep the project humming along!

5. Understand the difference between licensed and unlicensed contractors. Hiring licensed contractors can give you additional leverage because they are regulated by the state and run the risk of losing their license if they are less than ethical or leave you with substandard work. That license, however, does not denote expertise in every case.
 There are occasions when unlicensed contractors could very well be best for the job. Just be sure they have a business license and a history of quality work backed by referrals!

6. Get referrals. Never just choose the first name in the phone book or internet search! Ask around. Get at least three referrals from friends, family and co-workers, then call those contractors and ask for additional referrals.

7. Be realistic and flexible. Understand that problems can—and probably will—crop up. Weather delays, subcontractors quitting, material problems and more all can add days or weeks to your project. How your contractor handles these issues is what’s important; the ability to adapt and correct each situation is vital.

8. Remember rapport and respect. At the end of the day, developing a successful relationship with your contractor is just like developing any other business relationship. Mutual respect and rapport is key. Your contractor might show you that respect by delivering on promises and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. On a hot day, serving ice water to a dehydrated crew will win you favor and keep them motivated to do a great job!



When you’re in the market for a contractor or other service professional,
it’s never a bad idea to consult your local Better Business Bureau®.
The BBB provides information on more than 2.5 million organizations.
It is an incredibly helpful consumer resource and a fast way to learn
whether the person you are working with—or are considering working with—has received complaints in the past. You also can check with the
city or provincial office that governs licenses in your area.