What questions should we ask to find a reliable and honest contractor?
Related Discussions
Vinyl plank flooring vs pergo (laminate)
I currently have stinky dirty carpeting in my living room and I want to replace it with a durable flooring that can stand up to dogs and kids.
How to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted?
Does having a paint over a popcorn ceiling change how I'd remove the popcorn ceiling?
How to apply peel and stick wallpaper?
I want to spruce up my walls with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Has anyone used this before and can advise me as to how to apply it properly?
How to stain wood floor?
I've heard staining is a good technique for updating floors. So how do I stain my wood floor?
1952 Cape Cod.
I need some advise on what I can do to improve the looks of my house. I need door, window and landscape suggestions. The house will remain white as I am on a budget. ... See more
How can I make this hidden door more hidden and less hideous?
I have a hidden door though it doesn't look so hidden at the moment and I like the appeal of a hidden door. We do need to use the door, but not often. This is in a b... See more
It is always wise to ask for references from any contractor you are considering. Be sure to check the references they give you....but keep in mind they will only give you references from jobs that have turned out well. Check around your area for people who have had similar work done and ask their opinions as well.
We did the following to pick our contractor...
Ask your friends who they used and are they happy?
Look them up on line and look at their reviews.
Pick at least 3 to come out and give you a quote. You'll meet them , get a feel for how professional they are, and see their work.
We had 3 come to our house. All 3 were very different. If we wouldn't have loved the one we picked from those 3, I would have had 3 more come out until we found the one that was the perfect fit.
Ask friends and neighbors or ask at home improvement stores,they have a list on contractors.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, check their license! Every state has a Contractors License Board, use it.
In your situation, hire an architect and/or designer and use the same criteria as if hiring a contractor.
It will be cheaper to remodel an existing structure rather than a tear down and start over in most cases. Check local building codes, some locations have controlled growth and only issue so many permits for new structures per year.
Get everything in writing gefore you start, pay no more 10 - 15% up front, another 10 - 15% halfway through and balance at the end and do not sign off on the job or pay ending balance until everything is complete to your satisfaction.
Check with the local Better Business Bureau for their rating and if they are a member. Check their work on a regular basis if you are able to do so.
I agree, get everything in writing, including time of completion, check references, and make sure they are insured, for compensation, also have someone show up to check their work, Another set of eyes, always helps!
The prior two suggestions are good ones......check the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints filed against them; a good contractor will not hesitate to furnish references , that is their way of showing that they do good work; and if you decide to hire someone, GET IT IN WRITING what he is supposed to do for the money. Be prepared to advance some money for materials if asked, but if you hire a contractor to do your job, set up a payment schedule which will correspond with the amount of work done as the project advances. NEVER pay out a large sum without seeing appropriate progress on the job. There are many honorable contractors out there, but there also are some people who will make you wish you had never heard their name, so make smart decisions.
Depending on your area, check that they have a license in good standing and if applicable, insurance too. Another idea to consider is to offer an 'early finish' $ bonus IF everything is completed to your satisfaction ahead of schedule. In good weather, contractors will have multiple jobs at the same time. Make sure he doesn't get pulled off yours too often!