Whether your remodeling project is minor or major, the job’s success depends on hiring the right pro. This is why conducting thorough research before hiring a contractor is important.
You should interview at least three contractors and get a project bid from each one. A good contractor will allow you to take your time deciding and won’t try to pressure you into accepting the offer.
Ask for Referrals
Many contractors come through referrals. They are one of the best sources for new business. Referred clients are incredibly valuable because they are warm leads with trust and established value. They are also cheaper to convert than other types of customers.
It’s always a good idea to ask for referrals from friends and family, but you can also find reliable contractors through online review websites. Make sure you do your research carefully so you can compare prices and markups. Also, pay attention to whether or not contractors request a down payment upfront.
Contractors are the heartbeat of your business, and they can make or break your referral conversion rate. That’s why taking care of your contractors and delighting them as much as you do your clients is important.
Conduct Online Research
Home improvement contractors often have websites displaying their work, contact information and reviews. It’s a good idea to start by asking friends for recommendations and searching online to find contractors with the right expertise.
For example, if you need a contractor to lay a tile entryway or paint your living room, search for “home improvement” and “contractor” on sites. These sites allow you to sort results by ratings based on actual apples-to-apples comparisons conducted by secret shoppers.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask to see their portfolios of past jobs. Look for red flags like no photos before the remodel or a significant time gap between projects. Also, eliminate contractors who are hesitant or won’t provide proof of insurance.
Check Licensing
While word-of-mouth recommendations and online research are essential, checking the contractor’s licensing is important. Licensing requirements vary by state, but a reliable contractor will have the proper credentials. They should also carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation for their employees.
Reputable contractors will happily answer questions about their experience and licensing and provide proof of insurance coverage. If a pro is reluctant to answer your questions or doesn’t have the right credentials, it’s best to move on to another candidate.
Be sure to draw up a contract that details the work you’re hiring the contractor for, including an estimate and timeline of completion. Insist on progress payments that relate reasonably to the work performed and materials purchased.
Don’t Be Pressured into Accepting a Bid
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, don’t be tempted to accept the lowest bid. A common estimate may signal that the contractor is cutting corners or desperate for work, which is bad for a healthy economy.
Home improvement is a service; you should always weigh quality against cost. To save money, consider breaking up your project into multiple phases to minimize the upfront costs.
Also, don’t let the contractor become your best friend. They are business people, and you must maintain a professional distance until the project is complete. Additionally, be wary of a contractor asking for cash payments or most of the cost in advance. They may be struggling financially and are attempting to suck you dry.
Take Your Time
Once you’ve interviewed contractors, reviewed their references and compared bids, choose your contractor. Remember that you’ll work closely with this individual for a significant portion of your project.
Please pay attention to little details, such as how quickly a contractor provides an estimate and whether or not it’s itemized. These may seem minor, but they could indicate how well you’ll be treated throughout the project.
Finally, pay close attention to how each contractor handles payments. For example, many professional contractors ask for a small down payment upfront and then make regular payments as certain milestones are reached. This helps keep the job on track and ensures that subcontractors are paid. Also, reputable contractors will only accept final payments after lien releases are received, and all work has been completed.
