Do an internet search for the words “home renovation” and you’ll find a plethora of results leading to businesses in the renovation industry. While there is no shortage of contractors available for every home repair or remodeling project, choosing the right contractor or company for the job is of the utmost importance. No one wants to pay for poor workmanship, incomplete jobs, or worse, nothing at all. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you think. While you can’t stop contractors from taking advantage of homeowners, you can take steps to prevent being taken advantage of by simply doing your homework.
Start with referrals
Chances are, family and friends aren’t pulling you in the wrong direction with your home renovations. Asking for references on similar jobs they may have completed is ideal because you can get a good indication of the quality of the work and the trustworthiness of the contractor. If that’s not an option, consider your local home renovation association or home builders, as well as building supply stores.
background checks
Like credit card or mortgage companies, running background checks on contractors gives you an idea of a company’s reputation and work ethic. Don’t be afraid to ask for names and numbers of previous jobs. Contractors are not cheap; your research shouldn’t be either. Don’t settle for letters, these can be fabricated or written by family and friends. A reputable contractor is willing to provide a list of previous clients.
Listen to that voice in your head
If you have a bad feeling about a contractor, something is probably wrong. A good contractor is easy to communicate with, approachable, returns calls, discusses options for problems that may arise, is knowledgeable, provides estimates on paper, and works within your budget. If they fall into any of those items, you may want to move on to the next candidate.
Confirm qualifications
You wouldn’t hire someone who “reads about” lighting to work on your electrical, that’s literally playing with fire. Make sure the contractor and their subcontractors have the proper licenses and skills by requesting their business license number and confirming with your local licensing office that they are in good standing. You should also check to see if they are insured for liability and property damage, as well as workers’ compensation.
understand the project
The larger the reform, the more complicated it will be. Make sure you understand the progression in all of its stages; before, during and after completion. Don’t leave yourself and your wallet open to unexpected surprises, guesses or questions. Have your responsibilities and those of the contractor defined and stated in writing so that all parties know what is expected of them and who is responsible for what.
get it in writing
Lawyers are rich because people choose trust over treaty. Unless it is in writing, you can assume that all verbal agreements are non-existent and will not stand up in court. Confirm renewal details in writing along with quotes, price changes, and arrangements for delays or unexpected costs.
Prices
Sometimes the lowest price is not always the best option. It’s always a good idea to accept multiple estimates to gauge an average price and negotiate from there. The contractor willing to make “dirty deals” can also cut corners; creating potential health and safety problems in the future. Conversely, the contractor who submits an inflated estimate is probably not worth your time or money if a bloated bill replaces the project.
payment
The way a contractor conducts his financial transactions is a good indication of his work ethic. Someone who asks for cash-only payments and is hesitant about providing receipts or a contract is likely to be unlicensed, uninsured, and almost guaranteed to be untrustworthy and unreliable. Cash offers also leave homeowners with little legal recourse if something goes wrong or the contractor decides to walk off the job. Don’t risk burning out trying to save a few bucks; he may end up paying double the amount in the future.
Once you’ve chosen a contractor for your renovation project, be sure to keep the lines of communication open. It is important to remember that you will see your contractor and his team often and that mutual respect is a give and take; Work with your contractor, but don’t micromanage to the point where you get in the way of them doing their job. It becomes a distraction and creates an unhealthy work environment.
