Hiring a Contractor: A Quick Guide

If you’ve never hired a contractor before, it can be difficult to know where to start. What separates the good workers from the bad? What criteria should you use before signing a contract? Here are just a few useful tips for getting the most out of your journeyman.

Check Their Credentials

Many states don’t require their contractors to be licensed. They should still have some kind of certification, however, or some kind of affiliation with professional groups like Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc (ABC).

Vet Their Staff

If you’re hiring a very busy or in-demand contractor, they may not be on-site as much as their assistants, interns and subcontractors. Delegation is common. Make sure you can trust everyone on the team before allowing them access to your home.

Ask About Schedules

If you need to get home repair now, it’s no use looking at contractors who are only available next month. Ask them right away when they can start and how long they expect the project to take.

Read Their Reviews

What do previous clients have to say about them? Are their estimates accurate? Are they professional, timely and courteous? Did they accept liability for things like broken vases?

Schedule a Consultation

At the end of the day, you can’t judge a contractor until you’ve seen them in action. Walk them around your home to get a feel for their experience, knowledge and personality.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when hiring a contractor. The right professional can make all the difference on your remodeling project, so choose with care!

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.