Making the Best Choice when Hiring a Contractor

Hiring the best contractor for your needs is perhaps the most important decision you can make in any home improvement project. The following list of contractors has either performed work for me or has been recommended to me by a reliable source as a reputable contractor. To hire the best contractor for your needs, follow the tips at the bottom of the page. The content is intended to help you hire a Contractor and evaluate what the Contractor can do for you.

BEST SOURCE CONTRACTOR LIST

.

THE DETAILS

What You Want Done
Be specific when discussing the work to be done. Its a good idea to do a walk through and explain what your expectations are and how you would like the work done. Make notes on what was discussed and share them with the contractor, so both of you will clearly understand what needs to be accomplished. The more specific you are about your project, the more accurate your contractor's estimate will be. Discuss options that could save money.

Get a Written Estimate
Always get a written estimate that details the work to be done. Is the price realistic for the work to be performed. Ask the contractor to explain in detail how the work will be performed. Then ask yourself if you feel comfortable working with this contactor. Does he understand your needs and expectations? You'll know if the contractor is the right one for the job. Its a good idea to compare prices, but the contractor's attitude and experience is most important when you finally decide who will do the work. Comparable estimates should fall roughly within the same price range. If there is a big difference in comparable estimates you should review the work to be done. If the estimate is too high, politely ask why. Maybe the Contractor doesn't need the work. If the estimate seems to low maybe the contractor is planning to cut corners. Ask if the work can be completed properly by cutting corners.

Ask for References

• Ask for the names of past customers the contractor has performed work for.
• Ask if you can call the references for a recommendation.
• Ask if you see some photos of work done or if you can go to evaluate past work in person.

Good Questions To Ask The Contractor and Yourself

Ask the Contractor these questions

• How long have you been doing this type of work?
• Do you enjoy what you do?
• Do you do the work yourself or do you sub-contract the work?
• Will you be on the job every day that your workers are on the job?
• Do you have liability insurance to cover any damage to the property?
• Do you have worker's compensation insurance?
• Do you require a license to perform the work?
• Who will do specific details of work on the job?
• How long will it take to complete the work? (specify in writing)
• Will you stay on the job everyday until completed?
• Who will be responsible for clean up during and after the job is complete?
• When and how will payment for the work be made?

Ask yourself these questions

• Is the Contractor someone you feel comfortable to work with?
• Does the Contractor have a good attitude?
• Does the Contractor feel confident in accomplishing the work specified?
• Does the Contractor seem experienced?
• Does the Contractor appear to act with professionalism?
• Did the Contractor show up on time for the appointment?
• Did the Contractor return your call within a reasonable time?
• Is the Contractor currently busy with other work?
• When would the Contractor be able to start?
• Does the Contractor seem to have interest in working with you?
• Did the Contractor pass the Attitude test?

Now Review the Proposal with the Contractor
Take your time to review the proposal and ask if you can make your final decision in a couple days? This will give you an opportunity to check references, compare estimates and sleep on it. Tomorrow you will have a clear prospective on how you want to proceed.

Best Choice Real Estate Services, Inc. does not make any representations of any kind. Best Choice cannot warrant any work performed and cannot guaranty the quality of workmanship. The information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and the users of these information shall be responsible for their own acts.

RETURN TO CHOICE HOME PAGE