Pick the Right Contractor for Your Project

We all have the need for home repair or remodeling and expansion at one time or another. It may be as simple as a toilet replacement or as complex as a room addition. Whatever it may be, we will need to have a contractor come to our home and perform work. What I have put together here is a simple guide to finding, meeting, reviewing, and choosing the right contractor for your project.

Getting Quotes:

The first thing we need to do is find contractors who specialize in the type of project you have. I suggest going with a company who specialize in the work you need done. Handyman services are ok for some things, but if it involves plumbing, electrical, drywall, paving, roofing, or carpentry, go with a company that specializes. Some projects require permits, and a specialty contractor knows the ropes as to how and who to go through to get the ball rolling. Internet searches for a contractor can be useful, but they can also be frustrating. Most of the time, the contractor who is techie or pays the tech, has the website you land on, and in some instances will charge you for an estimate. Never agree to this. Any contractor worth the salt will always give free quotes. I have found good old word of mouth the best way to find reputable contractors. Ask friends, colleagues, neighbors, or other contractors who is a good company to go with. When you get some names, I suggest three, call them and set up individual meetings with them all.

The Meeting:

Meet prospective contractors at your home, and be on time. These companies run on time and nothing discredits you more than being late to your own meeting. Show them the project you have in mind. Tell them what your thoughts are and also what your expectations are then listen to what they say. They will know all applicable codes and if you need permits or not. Take in what they think you need and write down anything they suggest as required. Ask them about the materials they plan on using. Then, give them time to measure, and thoroughly go over the project on their own. Make sure they have a way to get a hold of you whether it is email, phone, or home address. Tell them your time line and expected completion date and ask when they think they will have a number put together.

Review the Proposals:

An old concrete guy told me years ago, "the lowest bid is not always the best bid", and he is right. Look over and review the scope of work closely. Make sure the quotes are apples to apples. Now is the time to pull out your "required list" from above and make sure the required stuff is included. Check the materials they are using and make sure they are equivalent types. For example, let's say you are looking to get recessed lighting in your kitchen, one guy prices fixtures that are metal and metal trim, and the other guy is using metal cans with plastic trim, they are not the same. The all metal is better, and more expensive. Take into account what your impressions of the contractor were at the meeting you had with him, and what references have said about them. Call them with any questions that may arise from reviewing the proposals, and get the scopes the same.

Hiring the Best Contractor for you

Now you have your quotes, you have met the prospective contractors, you have reviewed the proposals, and it is now time to make the all important decision of who you are going to hire. Take everything into account. I once hired an electrician who was the high price by 15% and was so impressed by how good he was I now hire him alone for all my projects. I also once hired a fence contractor because he was low and he fit the budget. He was a disaster. He failed to call in locates and hit an underground electrical line that cut off power to a government office. If the cheap guy showed up in a beat up old truck and rag tag clothes, throw his bid out now. Most likely, they will only disappoint you. Same thing if you think they are too slick, they most likely are all smoke and mirrors. Use your gut instinct and yes, if you liked them and they impressed you, hire them even if they are the higher price. Take into account their past experience and the referrals. Good contractors make a profit on their work and are around a long time. Poor contractors do not make money and go away.

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