Working With a Contractor

For every DIY homeowner there are situations when you don’t have the time or skill to make a particular home repair or do some work you need done leaving you little choice to working with a contractor. This is when it is necessary to hire a contractor to help out. Hiring a contractor is easy but hiring a reputable contractor may be an entirely different matter. Contractors that do poor work, overcharge the bid price for the work or abandon the project before it is completed are typical problems that can result if we do not choose an honest and reputable contractor. There are several things you can do to insure that you are hiring and working with a contractor that is a real professional contractor.

When you choose a contractor professional for a home project on your home, you need to look beyond the price. Dealing with and considering bids from contractors with whom you have had no prior experience can be a daunting experience. It will pay you dividends to spend a little time and checking out the contractor you are considering. Remember, the reason that you are hiring a contractor is to perform a job to your expectations. It is imperative that you do the homework to insure that you are working with a contractor that is reputable. The following suggestion are recommended when working with a contractor.

Make inquiries of the contractor’s reputation.
Always get your agreement in writing. If the contractor does not want to enter into a written agreement, find one that will.
Verifying the contractor’s trade license is current by asking to see it and check the license out with the state. Require that the license number be recorded on the written contract agreement.
Verify the contractors insurance and have an insurance clause written into the contract. Contact the insurance agent of the contractor to confirm general liability insurance. Without valid insurance, you may be responsible for damage done to your house and any injuries the workers may incur. Insurance protects you and your belongings from monetarily painful accidents and scams. A contractor without insurance often means they are unlicensed.
You may want to do a criminal records search. A criminal record check can be performed online for a small fee. Contractors are in your home, near your children, and have close access to your belongings. Have the knowledge and the confidence to work with an honest contractor around your family and in your home.
Check the history, if any, of bankruptcy or liens filed against the contractor or his company.
Verify the contractor’s and his employee’s social security number. In most cases the contractor’s social security number is entered on his trade license. If you can not verify the contractor’s employee’s social security number insure that he warrants that they are legal residents in the contract agreement. The last thing that you want is your project to be shut down because of the immigration status of the contractor or his employees.

Doing your homework before hiring a contractor will insure that you are hiring a reputable contractor and a job done that meets your satisfaction. Always get your agreement in writing.

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