Selecting a Contractor

  
 
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hiring a good contractor is the key to good resultsFor most of us our home is the most important asset that we have. so we need to be careful about who we select to make repairs and additions to it. If you’re venturing beyond a simple home repair project to new technically challenging installations such as adding electrical circuits or adding a sink, you should first check to see if a permit is required from your local building department.  In some cases it may be required that the local Building Inspector review your work during construction and after its completion.

If you find that a licensed contractor is not required for the permit or that the work you want to do can be covered under a “Home Owner’s Permit” then  ask yourself three questions:

Do I feel confident in making (or at least comfortable trying) this repair?
Are the consequences acceptable if it takes me longer to do the project than I anticipate?
Do I really want to try this project?

If you are not comfortable or unable to complete a project on your own, you will need to hire a contractor. Selecting the right company to work on your home is a big decision. You want to be sure that the company can do the work proposed, will take care of your home in the process, and will maintain an adequate level of attention to your project. We believe that an informed consumer makes a better customer.

The easiest, and one of the best ways to select a possible contractor, is to get references from friends, family or a Realtor you trust. Please, do not just use the “Yellow pages” and hire someone. Do not waste your time with door to door salesmen. Legitimate contractors do not use this practice. Once you have some names, meet with them, look for “chemistry” or rapport between you and them and observe their level of professionalism. Courtesy, respect, punctuality and the ability to communicate are some of the most important attributes a contractor can have next to their basic competency. Actually, no matter how good someone is, if they don’t click with you on these points, don’t hire them. Period.

Always get at least three bids for a project. The lowest bid is not necessarily the best choice. Try to get an understanding from the contractors of why their bid is significantly lower or higher than the others. The reasons may change your selection decision. Understand going in that your building project will probably cost a little more than you initially think and that it will probably take a little longer than you think. Going in prepared will help you keep your peace of mind.

Make sure that the contractor has the appropriate business and builder licenses as required by the local and state governments. Also the contractor should provide a certificate of insurance showing proof of general liability and workers compensation insurance.

It is very important to see some of the contractors work if possible. There is a lot of subjectivity in quality standards. What is acceptable, even great work for one customer, may be considered shoddy by another, particularly in the finishing details. If it is not possible to go to projects, then take the time to talk to references by phone - ask questions about schedule performance, communications, and of course about the quality of the work.

If you live in a state like Florida and the contractor will be using sub-contractors, it is vital that you have a signed release of lien from every sub-contractor who worked on your project before you pay the contractor his final payment. If not unpaid sub contractors can put a mechanics lien on your home! Regardless of whether you pay the contractor in full, if he doesn't pay his subcontractors, they can put a lien on your home.

All project specifications, work schedule and payment terms should be  written in the contract. For all but the simplest  projects, a drawing(s) should be a part of the contract as well. The contractor should provide a written warranty with specific definitions of what is covered, the warranty period, and how the warranty claims are to be handled.

When dealing with a contractor remember that this is your home and you need to be happy with the results. Don't allow yourself to feel intimidated. If you have a question be sure to ask it, especiallybefore you sign the contract!

 

Innovative Improvements is dedicated to providing  quality information for improving all aspects of everyday life.

 

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