Finding a qualified contractor may be one of the most difficult tasks you have as a homeowner. Some contractors will think your project is too small or too big to handle. Others will be unqualified, uninsured, or simply incapable of finishing the project.
Finding the right company takes a lot of legwork. Start by asking real estate agents, neighbors, friends and family for the names of contractors they recommend. If you live in a condominium complex, ask the building manager for a list of approved contractors. If you live in a smaller community, ask your city or village building department for a list of approved contractors. You might even ask a local hardware store or lumberyard for recommendations.
Once you have the names of contracting companies, contact them directly. You'll always want to ask for references, preferably the last three jobs the contractor completed, plus the homeowners of whatever project is currently underway.
Interview each of the references extensively. Ask to visit their homes and look at the work that was performed. Make sure the timetable for work performed by the contractor matches what you've been told. If there is a gap, perhaps the contractor omitted a reference for someone with whom s/he had a problem. Ask the homeowner if there were any problems with the contractor.
Finally, make sure your contractor is licensed by the state where you live (if the state requires licensing of contractors), is bonded and insured for liability and workman's comp.
When interviewing homeowners, you should ask specific questions and record their answers:
Was the contractor on budget? Was s/he fair and honest in the inclusion
of extras or items that were not included in the budget?
Was the contractor diligent in overseeing the project? Was s/he
there daily and for extensive periods of time? Did s/he perform
any of the work?
Were the proper building permits obtained for the job? Did the contractor
schedule the proper building inspections?
Did the contractor provide proof of insurance, by showing the homeowner
an insurance certificate?
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Finding a qualified contractor may be one of the most difficult tasks you have as a homeowner. Some contractors will think your project is too small or too big to handle. Others will be unqualified, uninsured, or simply incapable of finishing the project.
Was the contractor on budget? Was s/he fair and honest in the inclusion
of extras or items that were not included in the budget?
