Are you ready to remodel your home or build that edition you have been planning?
You will need a contractor.
If you are new to this process or you have had a bad experience or two, you are wondering where to start. How do you find a good contractor? What qualifies them to do the work? How can you be sure that you will get the finished product you pay for? Here are some helpful suggestions for finding a contractor for your home that you will be happy with.
Use Your Networks
This sounds obvious, but for a variety of reasons, people choose to work outside of their community of wisdom and experience in order to find something new. This may not net you the contractor-client relationship you want but it is certainly the first step in the process. In the very least, interactions with friends and family will direct you AWAY from certain businesses with which they’ve had negative experiences. Be systematic in your query with your friends and family. Once they’ve given you names they recommend, follow up with more specific questions related to communication effectiveness, reliability, quality of work, and timeliness. Here are some questions to get you started:
How well did the contractor communicate? Were they easily accessible?
Some of the horror stories we hear involve excellent communication up front, but then communication fades as the job progresses and that contractor picks up other jobs. You have a right to daily communication from the contractor you hire.
How well did the contractor listen to you?
Objectively, did they listen to what I wanted, and then provide it in the way I wanted it done? But this question is both objective and subjective. Listening also refers to the impression a client gets from a contractor regarding the level of engagement they think they are receiving.
How was it working for the contractors employees and the subcontractors on the job?
Some owners are incredibly charismatic and engaging. That may not be the case for their carpenters or their subcontractors on the job. A contractor is only as good as the crew he hires and develops, and the quality and reliability of the subcontractors hired for plumbing, electrical, cement, etc.
Did the contractor show up on time and when expected?
For custom builds, additions, and remodels, the contractor is on the jobsite for several weeks. Their timeliness is important, as it showcases their communication, planning, coordination, and customer service.
Did the contractor keep the job site clean?
At the end of the day, your space should be clean and tidy. A tidy jobsite actually saves money, as tools are easy to find in their proper place, and materials are organized and stored safely. A job site should also be free of any debris that might attract pests and rodents, so soda bottles, snack bags, etc should be removed from the jobsite after each workday.
Is this contractor licensed?
This differentiates your contractor choice between a craftsman and a business. Being a licensed contractor also requires by law that the contractor is bonded. In many states (including Arizona), it is legal to use an unlicensed carpenter for jobs less than $1,000 (including all labor, materials, permits) which won’t get you far. Beyond very small jobs, it is illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor.
Were there any problems for them pulling the appropriate permits for the job?
Depending on your location and the scope of work, there is probably a permit required. A licensed contractor is familiar with the time and documentation needed for a permit, and should be able to pull the permit for the fee and in the time necessary to get the job done.
Can I see the work they did for you?
If you haven’t been in the space, ask for a tour of their work. It may not tell you what you need to know, but will give you insight into the quality of work, and their proficiency with a certain design style.
Did you receive the services you expected and paid for?
If they are recommending the business, it is more than likely the answer is yes. Keep in mind that your friend may have made changes to the contract during the process, perhaps changing expectations along the way.
Would you hire them again?
Even though this question can be asked first or last, it is a helpful one. The answer takes into account their overall satisfaction of the process and the product. If they say no, then ask them why. The answer may be helpful in making your decision.
We’ve found that most clients are pretty enthusiastic when they talk about their past contractors. They are either quite frustrated or overly positive about their experience. Remember, collecting opinions on good contractors is just one step in choosing the best company for your job. You will want to read reviews, explore their website, and meet with the owner or salesman for the company before making your choice.