If you’re thinking of hiring independent contractors for home repairs, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Over 11 million Americans work in the construction industry—many of them as contractors.
How can you sift through the masses and find the best professionals in your area?
Don’t worry. In this post, we’ll reveal 5 tips for hiring independent contractors to ensure you find the best one for your project. Read on to learn more!
1. Good Communicator
When vetting contractors, look for someone who communicates clearly and often. Your calls and emails should be answered in a timely manner that addresses all your questions.
Make sure the contractor understands the goals of your home repair project. Preferably, they have a lot of experience working on similar projects. Even if they use their own crew for the day-to-day work, make sure the actual contractor is always available if you have any concerns.
2. The Right Credentials
Don’t even consider any contractors that aren’t licensed, bonded, and insured. Not only is this the sign of a true professional, but it clears you of any legal repercussions if someone gets injured while working on your home.
Look for abbreviations behind the contractor’s name to determine which organizations they belong to. Common certifications include CGR, CAPS, NIA, and NAHB. If in doubt, ask these questions to make sure you understand their qualifications.
3. Reasonable Bidding Price
It’s always best to get several bids on your project before you make your final selection. Obviously you don’t want to pay more than the job is worth, but beware of taking the lowest bid too.
Why? An unusually low bid could be a sign that the contractor uses low-quality materials or is desperate for work (or both). The best bids generally fall somewhere in the middle, so use your best judgment.
4. Good References & Reviews
In our interconnected world, there’s no excuse not to do some research on any contractor you’re considering. Browse Angie’s List or similar review sites to see if others have had a positive experience with the contractor and their work.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see how long they’ve been in business and what type of reputation they have. This is also your chance to check their licensing and insurance information to make sure it’s accurate and up to date.
5. Detailed Contract
As you narrow down your choices, don’t make any quick decisions. Be leery of anyone who tries to pressure you into signing a contract or asks for a large sum of money upfront.
Take your time to review the details of the contract. Read the fine print about materials, estimated costs, and timeframe, and additional crew the contractor may use. Don’t sign anything or hand over any money until you’re 100% clear on what you’re agreeing to.
Hiring Independent Contractors: Find the Right One for the Job!
Vetting contractors might feel like a chore, but your efforts are worth it to find the best one. Before you start hiring independent contractors, refer back to the list above to help you make your final decision.
Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to browse the rest of our site for more great home improvement advice.
