Things You'll Need:
- Phone
- Internet
- Home improvement file
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Step 1
Referrals are the best way to find a quality contractor.REFERRALS
Referrals are the best way to find a quality contractor. The challenge with the referral system is finding more than one person who has used the same contractor. It comes down to the numbers. What contractor has the best reputation and success rate. How do you find that out?
1.) Consumer's Grapevines - Angie's List.com, BBB.com, Citysearch.com, and Yahoo/local.com, or Hammerzone.com.
2.) Other referrals available are the local hardware stores who often develop a relationship with contractors and have a good feel for their activity and ethics.
3.) Insurance companies, and real estate agents who often refer companies to help their clients. -
Step 2
Get as many bids as you can.BIDDING PROCESS
Get at least 3 bids per project, more if it's a capital expense like a home addition, the more you get the more informed you become. You learn more and can make a better decision based on the persons knowledge of their craft. Find out if the person bidding is also going to be on the job regularly. Many projects go awry between the sale and installation because of communication errors. -
Step 3
Investigate each company you plan on hiring.RESEARCH YOUR CONTRACTOR
1.) Investigate each company even if you like the initial meeting and have several referrals.
2.) Call and speak with the referrals given, most don't mind a call and are glad to help, especially if they had a good experience.
3.) Call the BBB to see if any complaints have been lodged.
***Be sure to check variations of the name.
4.) If you can drive by to see their work, do it, check to see if they can offer older project addresses, it is nice to see how their work will hold up over time.
5.) Make sure their insurance is enough to cover any major mistakes or mishaps.
6.) Call and validate the insurance and state or city contractor licenses. This will eliminate the chance that a traveling contractor has made false documentation. -
Step 4
Verify the terms of the contract.FINALIZE THE CONTRACT
1.) Read the bid and make sure it is binding, some bids are not considered contracts. If not when you get the contract take it to a lawyer or accountant to review and clarify any questions.
2.) Make any changes needed prior to signing the contract and have both parties initial those changes.
3.) Sign a copy and get one signed for your files.
4.) Keep all your receipts even if you do not file itemized taxes. Some state and federal programs now allow for specialized improvement rebates and deductions with the tax short form. -
Step 5
Be a referral.BE A REFFERAL
If you've had a good or bad experience find a way to rate the company on the Internet or tell your local hardware manager or referral sources. -
Step 6
Build a list of reputable contractors.BUILD YOUR OWN LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTRACTORS
Most projects are planned and you have plenty of time to do the necessary diligence. When you have time build a list of home improvement contractors you would use in emergencies, electricians, plumbers, roofers, door and window repair, fire and flood experts. Keep it in the glove box of your car just in case of a fire or flood.
Comments
dorigillman said
on 6/5/2009 lots of good information.
jull14 said
on 6/5/2009 Wonderful tips and very helpful, thanks for sharing.
Mitestarossa said
on 4/26/2009 Thanks for the advice, finding a quality contractor is so difficult, even the general contractors have a difficult time finding good workers, so the general public as no chance.
Mitestarossa said
on 4/26/2009 Thanks for the advice, finding a quality contractor is so difficult, even the general contractors have a difficult time finding good workers, so the general public as no chance.
Mitestarossa said
on 4/26/2009 Thanks for the advice, finding a quality contractor is so difficult, even the general contractors have a difficult time finding good workers, so the general public as no chance.