You've most likely heard the stories from people who've had nightmarish experiences working with home contractors. Well, you're not about to join their ranks! In dealing with contractors, several things come to mind. Where do you find one? How do you handle him? But most importantly, how do you get exactly what you want? Not to worry: here is a list of secrets for avoiding the contractor blues:
1. Get the real deal. Watch out for the guys who show up with a fancy truck and a slick line. Many of them are just opportunistic businessmen who sell a job and then turn it over to subcontractors. The best way to find a reliable contractor is through referrals from friends and neighbors. The next best source is to speak with any engineers, architects or professional management people you know. Even with those referrals, you have to check out your soon-to-be contractor thoroughly. Insist on getting a list of clients who've had the same job you're having, preferably in the past year. Talk with at least four or five of them.
2. Know what you want. Be prepared with specifications of exactly what you want to accomplish and the amount of money you can afford to spend. A good professional contractor will appreciate your homework, and will advise you if he can work within your budget. Having a clearly defined goal also allows you to compare prices among the people you interview.
3. Research the contractor's business. It's perfectly reasonable to ask
permission to talk to the tradesman's bank, his suppliers and his reputation. Check out his professional associations (especially look for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.) Most important is that the business be state licensed and insured for both Worker's Compensation and General Liability. Don't take the contractor's word or just accept a copy of the license and insurance binder. Licenses should be listed on your state's department of business web site, and the contractor's insurance company will mail you a Certificate of Insurance upon request. The more information you gather upfront, the better.
4. Get a detailed contract. Forget handshakes and doing business on trust.
Professional contractors should take the time to specify exactly what will be done to your home, when it will be done and how your payments are to be made. You may like him when you meet him, but the odds are that you won't end up being best buddies. He and his crew will be invading your space for weeks or months, and no job goes exactly as planned. So, when the inevitable disagreements arise, a finely detailed contract will become extremely important. In fact, a good contract often means that litigation can be avoided.
5. Be the job's administrator. Nobody has your best interests at heart more than you. We’re not suggesting you get in the way, but keep an eye on everything. Let the workers know that you’re interested and alert. Periodic progress photos are a good way to resolve questions and disputes. And those photos can come in handy later, when you’re trying to remember exactly where you placed certain beams or wires.
6. Prepare for the big finish. The last 10% of any job is the hardest part, and can seem to take forever. Work with a checklist of things that need to be corrected or finished, and the work will reach a smoother conclusion.
Finding a great contractor can take time and patience. Finding home insurance can happen in minutes! With NetQuote, you can fill out one application to be instantly matched with our nationwide network of agents. Give it a try today!
Back to Newsletter Home
Recent Home Topics:
