How to Find A Good Contractor

Finding a reliable contractor; getting bids and making a contract.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. The best way to find a good contractor for a job you want done is to consult a friend or neighbor who has recently had a recently similar projects completed. If you can't easily get a referral, ask a building supply yard or your municipality's building inspector's office. They generally know who uses good material, and completes jobs promptly.
   A business phone book or the classified section of your newspaper can also be helpful.
2. Before you hire a contractor, draw up sketches or plans and list what you want done. Include materials by brand name, and appliances by make and model. Submit the same plan and list to three different contractors and ask for bids and time schedules. When the bids come back, evaluate the cost, the quality of the contractor's past work, and the time it will take him to complete the work.
3. A contract can be prepared by the contractor, by your lawyer, or by you if the job is small. It should be a written agreement specifying what, when, and how all aspects of the project are to be accomplished. It should include exact dates for start and finish, prices and brand names, and exact descriptions and specifications of the work to be accomplished. Anything not written down could lead to an unpleasant surprise later on. Also make sure that the cleanup is included so that sawdust is swept and debris is hauled away.