The process of choosing a good home repair or home improvement contractor can be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with construction basics or the contractors and companies that are doing business in your area. The first step involves defining the job clearly. Do this before contacting anyone, because the more specifics you can give to a contractor, the easier it will be to get an accurate bid.
You should also decide on your budget in advance. Your working budget should not be the most you’re able to spend, because repairs and other work often come up unexpectedly during home improvement or home repair projects. If they do, you’ll have some additional, unexpected costs, so keep your budget fluid and build in a cushion.
Once you’ve determined the goal of your project, your budget and any time limits, ask people you know and trust for the names of local home repair and home improvement contractors and companies. Contact those who have a good reputation. You can search on the Internet for information and reviews on local contractors if you’re unable to get any referrals.
Prepare a list of questions before contacting any companies. The list will help you remember to ask all your important questions, especially if you’re planning on contacting several home improvement contractors. During your conversation, describe your project but also ask about the contractor’s experience and qualifications. In particular, it’s very important to hire a licensed contractor. It might sound tempting to hire the company that gives you the lowest estimate, but an unlicensed contractor can be more expensive in the long run, especially if mistakes must be corrected.
In addition to having the proper licensing, the contractor you hire should have liability and workers compensation insurance to protect you and the workers from unexpected problems and injuries. If, for example, your home is damaged during the home repair project, the contractor’s liability insurance should pay for correcting the damage.
The last thing you should do when hiring a contractor is sign an agreement and come up with a schedule. Be clear about when you expect your contractors to be at your home and make sure you get it in writing. Look over your contract carefully before signing it to avoid any conflicts or disagreements after your home improvement projects gets started.
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