How to Choose A Building Contractor

Choosing a general contractor can be difficult when you have a HOME REMODELING project. You hear stories about bad contractors, but there are many reliable general contractors in the business. There are many things to consider when choosing a general contractor. Because a company is large or well known is no guarantee that they are reliable. Many large companies look for volume and do not offer customer satisfaction. The same applies to small contractors so choosing a general contractor presents a dilemma.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Referral from friend
• Yellow pages

1. Referrals usually offer the best and safest means of finding a GENERAL CONTRACTOR. Getting a referral from a friend is usually the best way to go.

2. Search the YELLOW PAGES for local contractors. You should interview at least three contractors before making a choice.

3. Tell the contractor what you plan on doing and what you want the project to look like when finished.

4. Ask for a detailed step by step estimate in writing. Do not accept a verbal estimate. Make sure you have the total cost and time estimate in writing before you agree to any proposal. Never pay for an estimate. It is not good business for a contractor to charge for an estimate.

5. Do not reveal the amount of your budget to any contractor at this time.

6. Compare each estimate. Choose a CONTRACTOR that you feel comfortable with and find easy to talk to. Remember that communication between you and your contractor is the key to a successful job project. Lack of communication with your contractor may bring the job to a complete halt costing you time and money.

7. A good contractor upon your request will give you names and phone numbers of prior clients. You should call these clients to find out about the work ethic of the contractor. Ask if the referral client would use the contractor again.

8. When you make your choice of contractor ask for a step by step contract and pay schedule if he requires it.

9. Never give any money until both parties have signed the contract. Never pay full amount of the project up front. Payments should usually be made in increments of 1/4 the total amount due. If payment is requested it should be no higher than 1/4 of the total project to start. Further payments should be made at mutually decided phases in the project. The last payment should be made upon completion of the project.

10. 
     
    Happy Home owners

    Remember there are good reliable contractors out there but it is up to you to find them and protect yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Make up your mind about your project in as much detail before you call a contractor.
• The more you information you have about your project before you make the call the better your chances for successful completion of your project.
• Never give money to anyone before both parties sign the contract.
• Payment schedules should be mutually decided before the project is started

Resources

• Sam's DIY Guide
• How to Replace a Shower Stall
• How to Replace an Electical Light Switch
• How to Replace a Doorknob

[dasbootjoe]

on 3/25/2009 Great article! Very Informative! *****

[blonde-doc]

on 3/25/2009 Great tips - thank you

[stefyspeak]

on 3/25/2009 I manage a temp staffing company and that is also a good place to ask about contractors because we service them and we know which companies are good or bad. great advice -I saved it to my favs. 5*

[apalmer]

on 3/21/2009 Very nice and well written article! 5*

[dcole]

on 3/21/2009 This is exactly the way to find a reliable building contractor! I also ask for referrals at church. 5*