When you have an important project to be completed, the contractor that you hire can mean the success, or failure of that project and so selecting the right person is essential. But where do you start?
The first thing is finding the names of the people that you wish to consider. You could get this from the Yellow Pages, or your Local Home Builders Association, but the best way to find potentials is from word of mouth. Your friends and neighbors will be far more honest with you about problems they encountered with a contractor than the contractor themselves will, or even the contractor's web site. Whether or not you are able to get recommendations, the next most important thing is checking customer references-do they complete work as described, and do they complete on time are some important things to find out.
Next you should check whether they are licensed. Hiring someone who isn't means inviting someone into your home or business whose qualifications or skills are unchecked, and this could spell disaster. A licensed contractor will be able to provide a license number that you can use to check for complaints or disciplinary action that may have occurred. A clean recent record should be reassuring.
The time that the contractor or firm has been in business is also important as it will give an indication of experience. A new contractor might be highly skilled, but they are also untested and there is no way of being sure that they can complete the work you hire them for.
Accountability is important; are they easy to contact if things go wrong. A professional outfit will at least provide an answer service number, if not an office number. A cowboy may have only a cell phone number (these being available pre-paid), and so you may not be able to contact them if a problem arises with their work.
Without exception you should meet with your contractor. This is an important to allow you to get a feel for the person. Do you get on, can you communicate well? Are they polite and respectful of your ideas, no matter how strange? A professional will carry themselves well, and you should get an idea from this meeting whether or not you will be able to work with them.
Is your project something that the contractor is qualified or experienced in handling? You do not want someone who is used to working only roof construction putting in your kitchen so finding out their area of expertise is important, as is their product knowledge. You as a consumer are unlikely to know what is available as materials options for your project, so your contractor must be able to furnish that need.
If something does go wrong, what will they do about it? All work should be guaranteed by them, and they should also carry insurance. There is always the possibility that something could go drastically wrong, involving injury to a person working on your project or living or visiting your home, or else there could be major damage to your home. If the contractor carries fully comprehensive insurance then you can rest easy that there will be means to make amends.
On the other hand, if the contractor has no insurance then these costs may fall to you.
Finally there is the cost of the project to consider, as different contractors may estimate differently. Going for the cheapest estimate isn't necessarily going to save you, because it could simply mean that you pay the same, higher amount but have no warning before the bill lands on your doorstep.
Choosing a contractor can be daunting, but done properly it will ensure a successful and happy outcome to your project.
