What to Ask Before Hiring A Contractor
Posted on: 2013-08-07
Many people who decide to hire a contractor to complete a home improvement project for them make the process too simple. They look in the phone book, call up the first contractor that they come across, and then hire him or her without asking pertinent (and important) questions. While this process can work out well in the end, in some cases, it results in unhappy homeowners, because they didn’t follow up on the company as they should have. Hiring a contractor should take more than ten minutes.
What Should You Ask?
You’ll need to ask a contractor many different questions, involving everything from estimated time frames to payment terms and contract details. Never pay a contractor 100% of the amount up front. This is a good way to get burned. The best contractors have tiered payment requirements, where you pay a certain percentage up front, then other amounts throughout the process, culminating in a final payment when the work is completed.
Check For A Licence
The contractor that you choose also needs to have a contractor’s license. This shows that he or she meets the stringent requirements of the city, county or region that he or she is operating in. Getting one of these licenses requires hours of training, passing a test or two (depending on the type of specialty) and having insurance. Yes, insurance. The contractor needs to be insured, just in case of an accident or emergency. If something in (or on) your house is broken by the contractor or his employees while the work is in progress, it will be covered.
Check Out His/Her References
Always ask for and check the contractor’s references. Look for reviews on various websites, and ask your friends or neighbors if they have or know anyone who has worked with the particular contractor. Call up the references given to you by the contractor to ensure that who you’re hiring is the right person or company for the job.
If you’re ready to start your home renovation, call Parabola Developments today!
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