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Some say that if you want something done right, youâll have to do it yourself. It may work in certain scenarios, but not always when it comes to a home renovation project. Unless you work in the industry, there are many things you should leave to a professional.
But then, how do you choose the best contractor? Hereâs what you need to pay attention to.
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More Quotes
Donât settle on the first contractor you run into. Instead, talk to several companies and get more quotes, find out what they have to say about your project. You need at least four or five quotes before making a decision. Double check materials, timelines and other elements in the process.
Be aware if quotes are too high or low. Donât hesitate to discuss the quotes with contractors and ask questions about any unclear items. A well-detailed quote demonstrates professionalism and transparency.
Stick To Locals if Possible
A local contractor would be easier to deal with if you face any problems in the future. Furthermore, local contractors are aware of local laws and regulations, not to mention building codes. A local company should have a physical address.
At the same time, you should be able to see some of the previous work in real life, rather than just pictures.
Talking about past work, you should pick someone with experience in what you want done. References, customer service and professional reputation are just as important. Ideally, you should get someone with more than five or 10 years in the industry.
No Rush
According to the experts at Blue Collar Scholars, thereâs no rush whatsoever. Take your time before deciding. If someone pressures you, avoid them, simple as that. Also, donât pay massive deposits upfront. Check the contract and read the fine print.
If you need emergency work, seek recommendations from friends or family. Quickly check the contractorâs credentials, but donât let the urgency make you skimp on quality or safety.
Insurance and Papers
Double check the contractorâs insurance, as well as any certificates the company may require. If unsure, you can contact the company yourself and ask if the insurance is still valid. This simple step can prevent a lot of future hassles.
If contractor youâre hiring doesnât have insurance, you expose yourself to major issues. You could face financial problems from accidents at the site or end up with poor quality work. Always check that the contractorâs paperwork is in order. This wonât not only protect you legally and financially but also ensure the work will be done well.
All in Writing
You need a contract before the work starts. Get things in writing and make sure everything is included in the file. If youâre not sure, it pays off paying a bit extra to get a lawyerâs advice.
Papers should include detailed descriptions of the work, prices, payment schedules, estimated dates, guarantees and signatures. Make sure you donât sign a contract with blank sections.
Any potential changes must be acknowledged in writing as well.
The Right to Cancel
The cooling off period allows you to cancel something without having to pay any penalties. You need to be aware of your rights, but also understand the rules you need to adhere too.
If you do have to cancel, you may need to send a notice by email, only to have it as proof of cancellation. This documentation can be crucial if there are any disputes later on.
Avoid Paying Upfront
While some deposits or payments for materials might be required, donât pay for the whole project upfront. You need to wait until itâs completed. If you do, you might lose your bargaining power if the work isnât completed or done well. Avoid paying in cash because you canât really prove anything. Other than that, make payments to a company, rather than an individual.
If you have a large project to complete, the initial payment is usually around 30%. A better way is to make payment arrangements in stages, associated with the key parts of the project. This means you pay only after each section is completed.
Delays Are Normal
Delays do happen in many situations. Sometimes, itâs the contractorâs fault. Otherwise, it could be a lack of materials or perhaps the weather. In other words, there are situations that no one can really fix.
You need to be realistic about your expectations and perhaps adjust your plan if youâre in a rush. Sure, there are times when you can take action against delays, but small issues are out of everyoneâs control.
Bottom line, choosing the right contractor is crucial but these tips are the real gems to make your home renovation go smoothly. By sticking to them, youâre setting yourself up for success, protecting your investment and bringing your vision to life with ease.
