Are you planning to hire a contractor to work on your home? Your relationship with the contractor will play a significant role in whether or not the job is carried out successfully. Here are 10 tips for working with a contractor.
Ask Friends for Suggestions
Finding a quality contractor takes more than random calls to names in a phone book. Ask others who they've used and only contact ones you've heard good things about.
Get Multiple Estimates
Before you settle on a contractor, you owe it to yourself to talk with at least 3 or 4 about the job. You'll get to know them and you'll have an idea of whether or not they'll be easy to communicate with during the course of the work. You'll also find lower prices with competing estimates. Getting estimates is important regardless of the work being performed, from replacing a roof to adding a deck.
Check them Out
Get references and call them. Contact the Better Business Bureau. Make sure their license is valid.
Ask About Expectations
Clearing up possible conflicts ahead of time is important. Ask when the contractor could start, what days and schedule the crew will work, and if they will clean up every day before leaving. Asking how long the job will take is especially important when dealing with roof repairs since you don't want inclement weather ruining repairs or causing leaks. If there's anything else you want to know, find out before you choose your contractor.
Discuss Payment
Most contractors want a deposit up front to cover materials costs. Some may also want a pay schedule to keep up with the work they've done on the job. Tell the contractor you intend to hold 10% of the payment for a week to make sure everything works well and that any work that must be inspected has passed. If the contractor is agreeable to that stipulation, which is standard, that's a good sign.
Hire the Most Professional Contractor
Even if you have to pay a bit more to get a real pro, you'll be glad you did. Choose the contractor you are confident will do the best job. Base your evaluation on the information you've learned by checking references, etc., and by the way he or she has communicated with you.
Keep Communicating
Once the contractor begins work, touch base every day or two to find out how things are going. Ask if there are any problems or delays. This will prevent surprises and unexpected issues from arising.
Voice Concerns
If you see something you aren't happy about on the job, speak up right away. Find out what's going on and get the issue resolved. Things are easier to fix when they are brought to the contractors attention immediately.
Keep your End of the Bargain
If you agreed to make payments along the way as the job progresses, do so. Contractors have the right to stop the job if they are not paid as agreed.
Get It In Writing
We list this last to emphasize it. Get written estimates from the contractors you feel good about. Sign the estimate you decide to take. When you do that, it becomes a legally binding contract. It should spell out what equipment or materials are being installed, how much the costs will be, when payments are due, and other important details. For example, if you are hiring an HVAC contractor to replace a gas furnace and a central air conditioner, the written agreement should detail the brand, model and possibly the model # of the furnace and the equipment, how much each item costs, what additional expenses there will be such as a copper line set or refrigerant, and any other detail affecting the installation.
Take your time hiring a contractor. It's an important decision and one you want to get right in order to avoid problems going forward. These 10 tips for working with a contractor will help you find the right one for you and produce a job you are happy with in the years ahead.
Steven, or Mark as he's more commonly known, is the Managing Director and a daily Expert Technical Contributor for HVACGuides.com. With more than 22 years experience in the functionality, troubleshooting and repair of home heating and cooling equipment, he brings years of knowledge and expertise to the table.
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