It can be challenging to find good help in the housing market. In these trying times, it’s time to whip out our computers and do some research before we hand anyone money, sign a contract, or discuss demolishing parts of our home. Before you say yes to that guy that asked for money upfront, follow our quick guide for the best tips to help protect yourself when hiring a home contractor.
Have a Clear Idea of Your Project
If you don’t know the project, then a contractor won’t work with you. Well-respected home contractors will recommend resources to check out before inquiring about any potential home renovations. Sifting through remodeling magazines can help inspire some ideas to get you started. Write these ideas down and look them over. If one of them needs more explanation, include it. If another is rough, it can still be considered what the contractor thinks you want and what expectations need to be met.
Do Your Research
After you come up with an idea, do your research. Go around your community and contact realtors who can recommend the best contractors in your local area. Don’t hire someone based on one conversation. Get to know their company through multiple discussions that involve their favorite projects. Also, inquire about past customers and reach out to them as references to get an idea of the contractor’s quality of work.
Also, don’t ever pay more than half of a deposit before signing a contract with your home contractor. Researching costs is significant if you know what your budget is. Along your research journey, ensure your reasons for getting a home contractor align with what you’re looking to spend.
Check Their License
Don’t trust anyone that says they’re a contractor until you see their license stating they’re qualified to work on homes. Each state will have its own agency, so you can contact the agency and confirm the home contractor’s license is valid and still active.
Review Every Part of the Contract
Don’t sign a contract until you read all of it and ask the right questions. If you’re unsure of any parts of the agreement, contact a law firm to get the proper guidance on approaching your contract. When going through the contract, ensure you know all of the details, any changes in orders, and that a lien waiver is included. A lien waiver provides payment coverage for all subcontractors working on your project.
Before beginning your journey to renovate your home through a home contractor, consider these tips to help protect yourself from a bad home contractor. These tips will help save you both time and money.
