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9 Tips To Selecting A Good Contractor
When it comes to home repairs or
improvements, many people find themselves at a loss because they are
either unable to complete the needed repairs or they simply do not
have the time. In either situation, the best thing to do is to hire
a professional contractor. But, what qualities should one look for
in a contractor and how can you be sure that he/she will be the best
person for the job? These are common questions and should be
answered prior to hiring a professional contractor.
Below are 9 tips that will help guide you through the process of
selecting the best man, or woman, for the job.
1) Before hiring a contractor, find out how long they have been in
business. It’s best to look for an established company and make sure
to check out their reputation with the local Better Business Bureau
for any outstanding or unresolved complaints.
2) Always make sure that a contractor is licensed to work in the
state in which the work is to be done. The best way to find out
about your state’s licensing procedure is to contact your local
building department and/or consumer protection agency. If your state
requires that a contractor be licensed, always ask to see a
contractor’s license prior to hiring him/her for the job.
3) When considering potential contractors, ask for a list of
recently completed projects that are similar to the one you are in
need of help with. Hiring a contractor that is experienced in
projects similar to yours will help to ensure that all goes smoothly
and that the job will be done correctly.
4) Be sure to ask your contractor, prior to the commencement of
work, whether or not the job will require any type of permit. All
permits must be obtained before the actual work begins, when
required, or the homeowner may face a fine. It is best to discuss
who will be responsible for obtaining permits, either you or the
contractor, in the beginning.
5) Always ask for the name of the individual who will be in charge
of the project, often called a supervisor, and the names of those
who will be working on the construction crew.
6) Once you are familiar with the supervisor, ask him/her about
their crew. You will need to know whether or not they are
trustworthy and make the decision as to whether you want them
working on/in your home. Will they need keys? If so, you need to
know that they are honest and can be trusted near your family and/or
children.
7) Every professional contractor should carry a certain amount of
insurance coverage, including personal liability, property damage
and worker’s compensation. You will need to request copies of all
insurance certificates and confirm that they are current before work
begins. Do not do business with a contractor who cannot provide this
documentation as this may result in your being held liable for any
injuries and/or damages that occur during the project.
8) Always check with the contractor’s references before deciding to
hire him/her for your project. This is important for all of the
obvious reasons and will give you an idea as to their work ethics
and end results.
9) When you and your contractor come to an agreement on payment
terms, get everything in writing and have the agreement signed and
notarized. All parties involved should have a copy of the agreement
for future reference.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube