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Some say that if you want something done right, you’ll 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? Here’s what you need to pay attention to.
In This Post:
More Quotes
Don’t 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. Don’t 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, there’s no rush whatsoever. Take your time before deciding. If someone pressures you, avoid them, simple as that. Also, don’t 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 contractor’s credentials, but don’t let the urgency make you skimp on quality or safety.
Insurance and Papers
Double check the contractor’s 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 you’re hiring doesn’t 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 contractor’s paperwork is in order. This won’t 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 you’re not sure, it pays off paying a bit extra to get a lawyer’s advice.
Papers should include detailed descriptions of the work, prices, payment schedules, estimated dates, guarantees and signatures. Make sure you don’t 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, don’t pay for the whole project upfront. You need to wait until it’s completed. If you do, you might lose your bargaining power if the work isn’t completed or done well. Avoid paying in cash because you can’t 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, it’s the contractor’s 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 you’re in a rush. Sure, there are times when you can take action against delays, but small issues are out of everyone’s 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, you’re setting yourself up for success, protecting your investment and bringing your vision to life with ease.
