Hiring a Contractor Tips

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OGC is thrilled to announce our newest blog contributor, Dawn Simpson, from Simpsondesigndecor. Here is her first of many blogs! Enjoy the read.

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Are you contemplating taking on a large home renovation?

You are going to need to hire a contractor or renovator, aren't you?

It is very important for you to know that you need to be smart about hiring the right contractor or Renovation Company for your project. One that is not only excellent at what they do, but a company with whom you feel comfortable working in your home.

Today I’ll give you some great tips if you are looking to hire a contractor.

3 Important Tips When Hiring a Contractor

1. Get a few quotes

2. Reference check

3. Reviewing the contract

Get a Few Quotes

To get an idea of what the scope of your project will cost, it is best to get a few estimates from different contractors. Each quote will differ, but that all depends on the availability and expertise of the contractor. Some contractors price low, others, medium to high range. Ask them to explain why they price the way they do. If they price on the higher end, that may be because it covers the costs of the little unexpected issues that arise during the renovation process.

I would suggest that you get at least two to three different quotes for your project.

Make sure you prepare a list of questions that you’d like to ask the contractor during your initial site visit.

Here are some suggested questions:

Do you manage the entire project and hire the appropriate trades (i.e. electrician & plumber)?
Do you source the materials or can I?
What are the qualities of fixtures you install (faucets, sinks, lighting, etc.)?
What is included in your work proposal/quote breakdown?
What are you terms of payment?
Do you have insurance?

(Source: Pixabay Images)

Reference Check

If you are going to be working on a large renovation, I would ask the contractor to supply you with a list of past clients that you can contact to obtain a reference.

It’s very helpful to speak with someone who has gone through the process and can give you an idea of what it’s like to work with the company. They may be able to provide you with information such as:

Do they arrive on time?
Were phone calls returned in a timely manner?
Were appointments and meetings kept?
Are they professional, trustworthy?
How do they handle any issues/problems?
Is it easy to communicate with them?
Do they keep the job site clean?

A great online source to find references and testimonials about a company is the Better Business Bureau and HomeStars

(Source: Pixabay Images)

Reviewing the Contract

Each company runs differently, but the company that you want to hire should have you sign a contract. Please make sure you read the agreement in its entirely as well as the fine print. Never sign anything if you don’t feel comfortable.

The contract should include the following:

Detailed scope of work
Project budget including line-item costs for labor, materials, and fees
Specifics about the tasks the contractor will perform (demolition, installation, cleanup)
Description of what products and services are to be provided by the contractor
Information on applicable building permits and fees
Subcontractor issues (such as license and insurance verification and warranty of workmanship)
Terms of payment
Project start and completion date
Consequences of default by either party

(Source: Pixabay Images)

The next time you are thinking about taking on a home renovation project or are looking to hire a contractor ......

Remember the 3 important Tips When Hiring a Contractors

Get a few quotes
Reference Check
Reviewing the contract

Thank you, as always, for reading and sharing.

Dawn

P.S. If you have a design question or a topic that you would like Dawn to cover, please leave a comment or send Dawn an email. She would love to hear from you!

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To help you with your search in finding the right contractor for you, Dawn has created a Contractor Comparison Checklist that is available to all her subscribers.

Click here to head over to her website and sign up TODAY!!

FREE gift to you from Dawn, when you subscribe to the SD&D blog and newsletter!

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