When it comes to successful home renovation
projects, choosing the right contractor for the job is an important
first step. Whether you're remodeling a bathroom, building a deck,
laying a wood floor or painting your house, slow down and do some
research. If you don’t choose the right contractor, you could
end up disappointed in the work, feeling swindled and needing someone
else to finish the job.
Step 1
Get a referral from someone you know. People
love updating their homes so you should have no trouble coming up
with a list of contractors to call.
Step 2
Hire a contractor who specializes in the type of work you need done.
Someone you hire to install wood flooring or to build a deck should
be a carpentry contractor, while someone you hire to install recessed
lighting in your kitchen should be an electrician. There are many
different trade certifications, so be sure to check the title on your
contractor’s certification to make sure he or she is a specialist.
Step 3
Check licenses and insurance with your city’s Contractors Licensing
Board. Ask the tradesman for copies of the following documents: Contractor’s
Certification, Worker’s Compensation status and Liability Insurance
certificate. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing
copies of these documents.
Step 4
Get at least three references for your contractor and call them. The
contractor will likely give you references who had positive experiences,
so be sure to ask them specific questions about workmanship that are
important to you. You might be concerned about whether the contractor
cleaned up his work area and kept to his time line or whether the
final invoice matched the estimate.
Step 5
Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if complaints have
ever been filed or are outstanding against the contractor.
Step 6
Request a written estimate. Any contractor who does not provide you
with a written estimate should be crossed off your list immediately.
Get at least three estimates and then compare prices with what is
included. Remember the lowest bidder is not always the best.
Step 7
Sign a written contract. The contract should clearly spell out all
the steps the contractor will take from beginning to end of your job,
what supplies are included, the payment schedule and the time line
for the project.
