Even if you’re an avid DIY'er, you’ll eventually need a job done that’s just too big or complex to tackle by yourself. That’s when you hire a contractor. But how do you know you’re getting the best deal? Well, first, make sure you follow all the time-honored advice, such as asking friends and family to recommend a contractor, making sure you hire someone you’re comfortable with, and verifying that the contractor has been in business for a a considerable period of time, and has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Then when you meet with your contractors to discuss the job, you should ask these questions to be confident that you’re getting the most for your remodeling dollar.
Earlier this month, I was called in to a home in Sacramento to complete a pre-listing home inspection. I was surprised when I found that the crawlspace showed signs of having been recently worked on. When I asked the homeowner about it, I was told that they had needed to call in a second contractor when the first contractor hadn’t performed the work to the quality they’d hoped for.
Unfortunately, this kind of story is becoming a more common occurrence.
We at AJAX Home Inspections urge you to consider the following before you sign the contract...
Consider Credentials
AJAX Home Inspections recommends considering contractors who:
Are licensed through the state board, and/or who has a license specifically for the work being completed on your home.
Are associated with relevant organizations for the industry, such as the Building Performance Institute or Energy Star
Have a number of years of experience in the industry. It’s true that everyone has to start somewhere, but don’t feel as if you need pay to provide for rookie contractors to learn on your home.
Request a Certificate of Insurance mailed directly to you from the contractor’s insurance carrier.
AJAX Home Inspections recommends that you:- Get references from other homeowners you know or trust. Ask friends, family or neighbors who have had similar work done on their homes.
- Do your research. Online review sites such as Angie’s List or Yelp can help you weed out troublesome contractor. A series of negative reviews may be a warning sign, as is the complete absence of reports (which might indicate the contractor hasn't been in business long).
- Ask the contractor for at least 4-6 references from previous clients, and be diligent about following up with the former clients about their satisfaction level with the completed job.
AJAX Home Inspections recommends that a detailed quote should include:
Reference material so you can research the products and systems being proposed.
The payment terms and timeline. For example, you may pay 50% up front for materials and the remainder when work is complete, and timeline of the work proposed so you can plan accordingly..
The name and contact information of the person who is in charge of your project onsite, to ensure that you know who you’re letting into your home, and who to get in touch with if things go wrong. If this isn’t provided with the quote, you should ask for this prior to work commencement.
The detailed work that’s going to be completed, including the description or name of the products being used and how they’re going to be installed. If you don’t understand one of the products or services the contractor is recommending, ask for explanations and consider researching that item online to educate yourself before you sign the work order
Work details which are important to you. For example, you may specify that that all work be completed between 9am and 3pm Monday through Friday, or that workers will return the work area to the current condition at the end of the work.
Trust Your Instincts
Your home is your most valuable asset and your place of residence. If you’re uncomfortable with the person or company who you’re going to let into your personal space, consider continuing your search for a better fit. If your experience takes a turn for the worst, DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE INTIMIDATED. The last resort of an unprincipled contractor or tradesperson is to first appeal to your sympathy and, if that doesn’t get your money, to then become a threatening bully. He or she will easily be bested once you show some spunk. You might hear stories about a dying mother, a truck that needs repair, materials that must be paid for before work can proceed, or a worker that needs an advance on wages. When this tactic fails to lighten your wallet, there will then be talk of a lien on your property, or the implication that something bad is going to happen to you or your home. Stand firm. Make a police report if you like. Don’t be swayed. People who do business this way will simply strike their tents and go on to the next victim who they hope will be easier to con than you proved to be.
Be On Your Guard If:
Lastly, if you don’t remember anything else, remember this
DON’T PAY BEFORE THE JOB’S BEEN DONE TO YOUR SATISFACTION.
REMEMBER: YOU CONTROL THE JOB WITH YOUR MONEY!
