How to hire a contractor.
We can’t all move into a nice, new just for us custom built home. We also cannot be the know all King or Queen of DIY. Most people usually have to hire someone to do home improvements. This is perfectly acceptable course of action. In some cases it is strongly encouraged. While online research is a valuable tool home improvements can be a time consuming tedious task. The pros also have the knowledge, skill & experience to know what they are looking for should issues pop up & can troubleshoot. I encourage you however as with everything that you do your research when you hire someone to give you that kitchen you’ve been dying.
Many people every year are ripped off by less than honest contractors. Some who will cut corners to make extra money for themselves, someone who sees a problem but ignores it or worse someone who takes your money & disappears. Josh & I have been through houses with homeowners who paid someone to do a job, but they took the money & ran or cut corners. Now the homeowner has no money to fix the mistakes & worse yet in some houses the damage is so bad it’s making the house unlivable! So what should you look for?
First you want to make sure you’re hiring the right person for the job. A general contractor is someone who will manage the entire project including supervising, hiring subcontractors, getting any permits needed & scheduling inspections. They are the jack of all trades guy. A specialty contractor on the other hand specializes in a certain area for example a cabinet installer installs cabinets. You can’t expect them to replace your bathroom toilet. They may know how but it’s not their area of expertise. An architect designs homes, additions & major renovations. This is the person you would call if you’re not using the space in your home but adding new. A builder contractor may act as all three or have connections to all three.
Now that you know what type of person you need the search begins. You’ll want to ask around for referrals from friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Once you have your list check websites to review ratings & reviews. From websites you can usually find out how long they’ve been in business & what type of reputation they have. In some states, but not all, contractors are required to be licensed and/or bonded in the state they work. Check on this, if yours is such a state then make sure they are in good standing & currently licensed and/or bonded.
Now that you have narrowed it down to a few get some estimates from them. If you see variations in prices ask them why that is, don’t just jump on the lowest priced quote. Interview each one you are seriously considering by asking how many projects they have completed in the last year? How many were similar to yours? Will you need a permit? Do they have a list of references? What types of insurance do they carry? Will they be hiring outside subcontractors? Don’t be afraid to ask questions this is a very important decision that can potential cost you a lot of money.
You’ve done all the above & are ready to get started but before you begin make sure you get a written contract with everything about the contractor, as wells as how change orders are handled, materials list, warranties, clean up, who’s in charge of permits, how will payments be handled, estimated start & stop dates, any right to cancel, scope of work, etc. I encourage you to get everything in writing. If they advised something verbally have it in the contract. You want a paper trail here so there is no misunderstanding later. Retain all records along the way, change orders, contracts, receipts for payment, etc. Take before, during & after pictures as well. Document as much as you can to avoid any issues later. Do not pay in cash & do not pay for everything up front. Try to limit the down payment amount & spread out the payments over work completed. Avoid advancing money for the project. Contractors should have ample connections to front each section of the project without asking for advances. All of this will keep them from running off with your money as well as keep them on time.
The project is done & the contractor is asking for that last payment. I don’t want you to upset tem by withholding for an extended period of time but I do encourage you not to release final payment until you are completely satisfied. Most contractors will insist on using a final walk through checklist, if not create your own, this again ensures everything is done as stated in the scope of work & you are satisfied. If you find something that doesn’t look right it can be addressed right away. If everything is checked off have then have them sign a lien release & pay them.
Following these tips can help you avoid financial headaches further down the road. Happy renovating!
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