Expert responses to questions on Remodeling, Contractors, Construction, and other branches of Home Improvement.
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
When you're hiring a home improvement professional, you're buying that person's ability to bring your concept to life. It's of critical importance to find a trustworthy, licensed professional for any work that includes carpentry, drywall, concrete, insulation, plumbing, painting, flooring and tile. Below are ten things you should know before hiring a contractor:
1
Talk to people you trust who have hired general contractors. Gather leads from lumberyards architects, home inspectors and real estate agents.
2
Go online or telephone your state's contractor licensing board to verify credentials and confirm that a contractor's license is up to date. You'll be able to type in their license number and get information directly. Note that there are several sub-categories of licenses for various specialties; requirements vary by state. Also call the local building inspection department and ask what they think of a contractor's work. Contact your local or state consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) to find out if the contractor has any unresolved complaints on file.
3
Identify several contractors. Confirm that they and their subcontractors are licensed and bonded. Describe your project and ask if they've handled comparable jobs in the past year. Check their availability for your intended time frame. Discuss your budget. Narrow the field to those available contractors who impressed you most.
4
Ask for names and numbers of current and former customers. Interview them about each contractor's strengths and weaknesses, and ask how the job went. Was the quality of the work and materials what you expected? Was the project completed on time and within budget? During work, did the contractor keep you informed? Did the crew and subcontractors treat your property and family respectfully? Would you hire him or her again?
5
Solicit competitive bids from at least three contractors. Contractors will use the architect's blueprints or construction documents to make an accurate bid. If there are significant differences between bids, ask why. A lowball bid won't end up costing the least if you soon have to replace poor-quality materials or shoddy workmanship.
6
Hire a licensed contractor for any job over $500 in value (laws vary by state). Contractors know the building codes; only they can give bids and are liable for the work they do. If an unlicensed contractor is hired, you accept responsibility for any damage. Discuss the contractor's guarantee or warranty programs. If something seems amiss, go elsewhere.
7
Ask for the payment schedule. Execute a written contract specifying the work to be done, estimated start and finish dates, total cost and payment schedule. A detailed contract protects both you and the contractor. Accept informal letters of agreement for jobs costing $1,000 or less.
8
Most contractors will ask for a down payment before work begins. A typical down payment is 25% to 30% of the agreed upon contract value. If a contractor ask for more than 30% down look else where.
9
Know what you want before meeting with contractors. Remember contractors are builders, not designers or architects. Contractors will want to see your plans and ideas so that they can bid accurately.
10
Find out how much your contractor charges for change orders. Most contractors charge a fee to make a change to a remodeling contract. Change order fees usually run $100.00 to $200.00.
