- Referrals and References
Find out how many projects like yours the contractor has completed. Check other examples of work the contractor has done. Get at least ten references who have had work similar to yours done. You should call at least three and ask if they were happy with the completed work, workers punctuality, cleanliness of work area, major delays, whether time and cost estimates were near the actual totals, how well were problems handled, and whether they feel they would use this contractor again in the future.
- Get Several Estimates
Cost is important, but should not always go with the lowest bid. You definitely get what you pay for in this business. Get several estimates on your project and compare the estimates. Also, avoid any contractor asking for a very high down payment.
- Licensing and Insurance
Problems often occur when contractor's backgrounds are not thoroughly checked before hiring. Find out about the contractor's Workers Comp and Liability Insurance. They should meet the requirements of your project to protect you in the event of accident or major loss.
- Trust
The most important thing is how do you feel about this. Your goal is to hire someone you can trust. Do you trust this person inside your home? Around your children? Can you communicate well with this person? By taking the time to choose the right person for the job, you're assured of getting someone that's committed to the success of your project.
