How to Choose a Good Contractor
Finding a reliable and qualified contractor can take time and effort.
Whether a property owner is renovating an office space, building a new house, or making minor home repairs, the contractor can make or break the project. Unfortunately, despite the numerous available building contractors, finding a reliable and qualified one can take time and effort.
The following is an insightful guide to help property owners successfully navigate the seas of contractor hiring, aimed at reflecting the minimum a property owner should expect from their contractor.
Required licenses and insurance
A license proves that a contractor has met the minimum required standards set forth by the state and is qualified. Their insurance protects the property owner from liability and expensive repairs or payments should damage occur to the property or the contractor or their employee is injured. Avoid contractors who don't have these certifications.
Fair bids
While we all love a good deal, an extremely low bid should cause concern. Often, it's a sign the contractor may be cutting corners, using substandard materials, or is desperate for work—none of which bodes well for a project's quality and timely completion. Property owners should compare the prospective contractors' bids against each other. If one is decidedly lower than the others, it may be best to avoid that contractor.
Up-front payments
The norm in the industry is a small initial deposit, followed by incremental payments relative to the work completion stage. A contractor's insistence on high up-front costs might suggest financial instability. Be cautious of these contractors as they may not be around to complete the project.
Communication skills
Contractors should be able to communicate in a timely and transparent manner. Vagueness or unresponsiveness, especially regarding pricing or deadlines, is a glaring red flag. Always look for direct and responsive communication to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Reviews and references
It's always advisable to look at work a contractor has completed and speak with previous clients to understand how the contractor handles their projects. Negative reviews, particularly about missed deadlines, poor workmanship, or legal disputes, should compel a property owner to reconsider their contractor's choice. Although anyone can have a bad review, a pattern of negative feedback is a warning sign.
Written contracts
Contractors should provide a written contract detailing the scope of work, project timeline, materials used, payment schedule, and dispute resolution procedure is crucial. If a contractor resists providing this crucial document, be wary.
Beginning work
Unexpected delays occur, but consistent postponement can indicate poor planning and could suggest project delays in the future. A contractor should offer a clear timetable and adhere to it.
Walking away from a bad contract might be tough, but remember that the ultimate goal should be achieving successful project completion. There's no room for compromising with unreliable contractors. Thoroughly vetting a contractor before hiring them can prevent considerable trouble in the long run.
Shewmake Home Solutions, LLC is a residential kitchen and bathroom remodeling expert in the Camino, CA, area, offering renovation and complete remodels.
