Sometimes it makes more sense to hire a professional rather than take on a job yourself. Choosing the wrong contractor, however, can lead to delays, subpar work, or even legal issues. Since a contractor could be in and around your home or property for days, weeks, or even months depending on what the job is, you should always make sure you have 100% trust in the contractor you choose! Hiring the right contractor will ultimately save you time, money, and frustration.
Follow these guidelines to help you choose the best possible candidate that matches your specific needs.
- Do your research, conduct in-person interviews and request detailed estimates from multiple contractors
Most people automatically search for local contractors online or in a business directory. During your search, we suggest that you also ask for recommendations and referrals from:
- your friends and family who’ve had similar work done
- local home builders’ or renovators’ associations
- local building supply stores
This is your chance to get to know the candidates and their work! Take notes at each meeting so you can compare responses and narrow your list.
A contractor who can’t or won’t answer your questions might not be the right person for the job.
- Check their reviews and references
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to the final candidates, contact the references for each contractor and read their online reviews. Ask their references about their experience with the contractor and the work itself.
- Hire local and make sure the contractor is insured and licensed to work in your area
Having a license and insurance demonstrates a contractor’s credibility and knowledge, and makes it easier to trust them. If a contractor doesn’t have insurance and a worker gets hurt on your project, you could be held liable.
- Ask for a written contract
Once you’ve chosen your contractor, it’s critical that you get a written contract from them. This will protect you from potentially losing your deposit, ending up with low-quality work or paying more than you expected.
- Aim to choose a contractor who specializes in your project type
The bottom line is, you want a contractor who’s an expert in their field and knows the details of what’s required for your specific project type.
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At Klondike Contracting, we strive to be as transparent as possible with each and every client from start to finish of each project. We pride ourselves on adhering to our clients’ budgets, delivering on aggressive schedules and meeting our clients’ unique requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any of your general contracting and construction management questions or needs!