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Mar 18, 2024 · Before hiring a general contractor, ask them questions to be sure they are the right fit. When meeting with potential contractors, follow a checklist and ask: How long has your...
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- Know what you want before hiring a contractor. As the client, you are the one driving the process. Before speaking with contractors, spend time thinking about your goals for the project, such as what it might look like, the amenities you want, and so on.
- Get estimates from several contractors. Plan to gather at least three estimates from various contractors before you make a decision. More quotes (say five or six) will give you a clearer picture of how these companies stack up against each other.
- Do background checks. Even if a friend or relative has recommended a contractor they have used before, you should establish some minimum credentials.
- Investigate a contractor's work history and work habits. Some contractors are specialists while others are generalists, so make sure their abilities are appropriate to your project.
- Research, research, research. When it comes to hiring a contractor, it pays to do your homework. Ask friends and family for names of contractors they have worked with, then interview the top few candidates.
- Verify the contractor’s license and insurance. If the contractor is working in your home, make sure he or she is licensed for residential jobs. “My contractor provided a copy of his license but not the classification, which turned out to be a commercial contractor,” said Jeff Giavotella, a homeowner in New Orleans.
- Set a professional tone from the beginning. Yes, he's going to be in your home a lot, but resist the urge to be buddy-buddy with your contractor. Be clear from the very beginning that you have a specific vision for the project and expect the job to be done well.
- Consider an emergency fund. Give yourself a little financial breathing room by building in a small cushion (an extra 20 percent of your total budget, if you can swing it).
- Get Recommendations. Start with your friends and family and then check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members in your area.
- Do Phone Interviews. Once you’ve assembled a list, Tom recommends that you make a quick call to each of your prospects and go through these questions to ask a contractor
- Meet Face to Face. Based on the phone interviews, pick three or four contractors to meet for estimates and further discussion. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease.
- Investigate the Facts. Now that you’ve narrowed your list, put your research to use. Call up former clients to find how their project went and ask to see the finished product.
- Finding Good Contractors. The first question you need to ask yourself is what type of project needs to be done. If it is a small, specific project, such as cabinetry, your best bet would be with a contractor who specializes in what you need done.
- Calling Around. There’s no definitive number of contractors that you should call, but there are plenty of horror stories of bad contractors. That’s why it’s important to settle on a hefty list of 10-12 contractors to call based on your initial research.
- Meeting with Your Selected Contractors. During the meeting, you will want to gauge their interaction with you as well as their specific answers to your questions.
- Negotiating Payment. Once you have decided on a contractor, your next step is negotiating price and payment. There won’t necessarily be much wiggle room on the price, but you will have to negotiate a payment plan and budget for contingencies.
1. Does the contractor you’re hiring have a license? 2. Does your contractor respond quickly to calls, texts, or emails? 3. Is your contractor communicating with you? 4. Has your contractor provided a schedule? 5. Does your general contractor maintain a safe work site? 6. Does the potential contractor take on too many projects? 7.
Jan 23, 2022 · Hiring a contractor can feel daunting, but being prepared can make all the difference. Learn how to find the best contractor for your project’s needs, plus find out how much an estimate may cost and what to expect during the rest of the job.
