8 Steps to Hiring a Contractor
When a homeowner decides to do a renovating or building project there is a euphoria that comes with the realization of a dream about to come true. What many fail to realize is that, like dreams in every day life, the object of their dreams materialize not by magic but by a consistent and systematic process.
Too many homeowners “leave it up to the professionals” to work out the details to project. In fact there are contractors who would rather keep them out of the project once the go ahead is given for the project. The way to proceed with a project is to, first, take a deep breath and envision what you want out of this process. I’ll bet that it might go some thing like this:
- I want it to go smoothly, worry-free
- I don’t want to be burdened with problems.
- I want the end result to look exactly like what I envisioned.
- I want the estimate to equal my budget.
- I want the project completed within the time-frame stated in the estimate.
Hey, guess what? These desires can be realized if you follow some guidelines when hiring your contractor:
1. Talk, talk and more talk
Talk to people you trust about the job and see who they have hired. Talk to lumberyards, home inspectors, real estate agents, etc.
2. Compile a List
3. Check the watchdogs
Go online and run the companies through the Better Business Bureau and licensing boards.
4. Check insurance
No insurance = no job
5. References
Friends and other leads are great. Now get the story from others who have hired these companies.
6. Credit and bank references
They should be able to buy all the materials without breaking a sweat. You should never pay up front for building supplies.
7. Memberships
Another good reference. The good guys usually belong to a trade organization.
8. Three (3) or four (4) written estimates
Get everything down on paper from the first day to cleanup.
To streamline this process, get up to 4 free estimates here.
1 comment February 1, 2008
