1. Use trustworthy sources to find a trustworthy home contractor
Asking friends and family members about their reviews with reliable home contractors can be a very good way to find good contractors to work with.
But if you’re new to the location, or not sure about what your other alternatives might be, think about online services like Angie’s List and Checkbook to find a trusted home contractor who will work for you—and not just for the end goal.
Based on the Consumer Reports, the most reliable online recommendation services validate user reviews. You want to make sure that each reviewer has actually hired the home contractor you’re considering to hire, so you have the most precise information.
2. Interview multiple contractors
Finding a reliable home contractor online is feasible, but online reviews are no replacement for meeting with a contractor face to face. And don’t forget to give yourself choices, even if you have a highly-recommended contractor already in mind.
Interview more than one candidate to get a sense of what it would be like to have the person work in your home. Each contractor will likely have an unique approach, spending budget, timeline, and relationship with subcontractors in your area.
3. Ask for references
Slimming down your choices? Ask for suggestions from previous homeowners, clients, subcontractors, or employees, so you can see the bigger picture.
You’ll want to ask doubts about how the home contractor addressed changes to the contract, whether they pay everyone on time, and how they managed the job site.
Did they leave behind the site—a former client’s home—as a total mess? Do they have enough cash flow to make repayments to subcontractors? These are information you should find out sooner rather than later.
4. Ask for a formal bid or estimate
Never sign a contract with a home contractor without first seeing an estimation of the project’s costs. If you’re still choosing between multiple contractors, a bidding strategy might help you narrow down your options.
In addition to that budget and timeline, talk with them about the types of materials you want and any subcontractors who might be introduced into the renovation.
You’ll also want to know if this home contractor has finished other projects like yours. Maybe something like kitchen remodeling, flipping a house, or perhaps home remodeling. You’ll never know if you don’t ask!
If your possible home contractor doesn’t discuss earlier similar projects, material guidelines, or potential solutions for any of your ongoing questions during the bidding process—ask.
5. Check out their license
Every trustworthy and reliable home contractor should have the right licenses from your municipality and state to carry out business. Ask to see these licenses, so you can check them out for yourself and ensure everything is up to date and above-board.
6. Perform a thorough background check
When a home contractor runs afoul of the law or racks up a violation with the Better Business Bureau, there will be a report of it. If your potential contractor doesn’t reveal legal issues before you sign on the dotted line, you’re well within your rights to ask—or to go looking for issues in local court records. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. Find out about subcontractors
Do you know which other businesses or service providers—like electricians, plumbers, or carpenters—your potential home contractor likes to use? Figure out, so you know more about the other vendors who will finish your property upgrade.
8. Ask about essential insurance and permits before getting started
Before a big home improvement project gets off the ground, a home contractor will need to attain the proper permits, licensing, and insurance. Check out which permits your municipality and state require, so you can check in with your contractor correctly.
Even though getting permits will add time to your project, the correct permits guarantee your home contractor is following the law—and that your property will be properly examined once the project is complete.
9. Draw up a contract
Ready to break ground? Wait until you sketch out and sign a contract that describes the details of your home improvement project, such as budget, timeline, a comprehensive list of building materials, and the tasks of all subcontractors.
If either you or your home contractor needs to make modifications to the contract to show a new reality—like a problem with your subflooring or a corroded pipe—ask to sign an addendum and to see a new project estimation.
Before you bounce off this page check out the latest house listings in Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay is a reasonable market for buying houses. It has a low cost of living, good job opportunities, and affordable housing.