How to Hire the Right Home Improvement Contractor

Hiring a home improvement contractor is an important decision that requires more consideration than who will do the work for the cheapest price. Saving money on the job does not always save you money in the long run. A little bit of extra research can help insure your investment is protected.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask around. Chances are whatever the work you need done, you know someone who has had similar work done in their home. Check with your neighbors, friends, family and co-workers. Get a list of names and numbers of companies they have been satisfied with and narrow down your search from there. Word of mouth can also help can steer you away from hiring someone with whom they have had a bad experience.

2. Once you have your list of referrals, check for licensing. Always hire a licensed contractor as they have the training and expertise required to obtain licensing, they have required liability insurance in the event that damages or injury occur and they are licensed to obtain proper permits. There is also a fund they pay into annually which is designed to help homeowners recover expenses if things go wrong. Check with the Department of Consumer Affairs to determine if a contractor is licensed. Many contractors will advertise their license number; take the extra step to confirm the license number is valid and current

3. Read reviews. Thanks to the internet, reviews of businesses can be found at the click of the mouse. Keep in mind that some people can be disgruntled and over react when writing a review so read all the ratings before jumping to a decision based on one bad review. The same can be said for deciding based on one glorious review, which could very well be written by the contractor himself. The Better Business Bureau’s is a good place to check for a fair rating of the company.

4. Get estimates. A good contractor will visit the home and give you a written proposal of the work that will be done and what it will cost. Don’t hire someone who gives you an estimate over the phone or tries to enter into a verbal contract. Be sure to get a signed contract with the price, timeline and all work to be included clearly outlined. Read the small print and take note of the exclusions. Don’t assume that a contractor installing an air conditioning system will also run needed electrical wiring. Don’t allow the contractor to start the work without this contract.

5. Make sure the employees are certified. Just because your contractor is licensed, doesn’t guarantee that his employees are certified or even experienced. Ask to see certification.

6. Get a written warranty. If a contractor is not willing to guarantee his work in writing, don’t hire him.

7. Check for details. How many years the contractor is in business is a question you should consider. A listed local phone number and address is another thing to look for and double check for validity. Does he show up in a truck lettered with company name and information? Do his employees wear uniforms or company shirts? Some of these details may seem unimportant but they do establish a sense of credibility. Anyone can purchase an 800 number, slap some peel and stick letters on a truck and call himself a contractor.

8. Trust your instincts. A contractor may be licensed and be able to provide all of the above recommendations, but if your instincts tell you something is amiss, it is better to be safe than sorry. Hire the home improvement contractor who has all the credentials AND gives you a feeling of security.

[Marilynda]

on 9/16/2009 Important information for anyone doing home improvements. 5*

[sonni57]

on 8/23/2009 It's hard to get a good contractor these days thanks for the helpful advice.