10 Tips for Finding a Reliable Contractor

 

It’s true, finding a reliable, trusted contractor can be a difficult, overwhelming, and often expensive task. To help guide you in the right direction in selecting a contractor you can count on, we have put together a list of 10 things to consider.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

This should be the first question you ask when contacting a contractor. It is important for your contractor to have the required licenses, bonds, and insurance for the state they are doing business in. Without these documents, you could face financial and legal difficulties should you find yourself in a dispute with your contractor.

Communication

As with all things in life, communication is key. This is an important quality that should be maintained throughout your project. In most cases, you will be able to gauge the contractor’s willingness and ability to communicate during the estimating or bidding process. If you find that it is difficult to reach the contractor during the estimating or bidding process, it could be a red flag for their willingness or ability to communicate effectively through the duration of your project. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is you should receive a call back or response within 24 hours during the contractor’s normal business hours.

Work Guaranteed

A good sign that a contractor is willing to stand behind their work is one who provides a guarantee. There are many forms of guarantees, so you will want to be sure you understand what the contractor is offering. For example, a guarantee could be fixing any problems that may arise within a specified time frame or offering a partial refund for unsatisfactory work. A contractor who offers a guarantee is a good indicator of their standards and can offer peace of mind.

Project Description

A project description or scope of work should include the specific work to be completed, materials being used and a timeline and work schedule. Unexpected changes or issues will arise during your project. It is important to understand that with any construction project, there is a possibility of delays and/or setbacks. However, timelines provide a good baseline to track progress and help establish realistic expectations for both you and the contractor.

Signed Contracts

Having a signed contract is one of the most important aspects of your project. A signed contract is essential in protecting you and the contractor. If the contractor you are considering is unwilling to provide a legal and binding contract detailing the work, pricing, and timeline you have agreed to, you may want to reconsider hiring them.

Portfolio

Not only does a portfolio highlight the contractor’s work, they can also provide you, the client, with a better understanding of the types of projects and the quality the contractor is capable of.

Experience

Quality workmanship is important with any construction project. It is ok to ask your contractor questions like how long they have been in business, how many projects they do monthly or annually, or if they have references.

Knowing What You Want

Before contacting a contractor, it is important to know exactly what you’re looking for when the project is complete. If you are not sure how to translate your vision and goals to the contractor, consider hiring a design firm to help you create renderings and basic design plans to present to your potential contractor. Seeking a design and build firm is an alternate option in this scenerio. Presenting potential contractors with a clear vision of what your end goals are, gives the contractor the opportunity to provide a more accurate estimate, or, in some cases, refer you to a colleague better suited for your project.

Know When to Pay

Understanding the contractor’s payment schedule should be a transparent conversation. You should expect to pay a down payment for your project, but NEVER pay the balance in full up front. Payment schedules may vary depending on the size of your project. For smaller projects you should expect to pay a down payment then the remaining balance upon completion. For larger projects, you might expect to pay the down payment, one or more draws at specified increments of the project, then the remaining balance upon completion.

Confirm Their Service Area and List of Tasks

Making sure the contractor regularly services your area is a key factor when considering reliability. If you reside within city limits, it’s a good idea to check with your potential contractor to ensure they take on city work. Be advised that additional permits and fees may apply to your project if you are within city limits. In addition to confirming the contractor’s service area, you should be sure to confirm they can take on all aspects of your project. A reputable contractor will have a list of services easily accessible on their website.