Getting referrals from local friends who’ve had renovation work done is a great way to find a contractor. Call those contractors’ references and learn about their experiences – including the successes, pain points, and any issues that came up.
Interview several contractors. Note how they answer your questions and their communication style.
Ask for Referrals
Asking for referrals is the best way to find a contractor you can trust. This can be done by asking family members, friends or neighbors who have used contractors in the past for their recommendations. Alternatively, online contractor-matching services are also good places to start. These can provide a variety of information about contractors including criminal background checks, license verification, client reviews and photos.
While online reviews can be useful, it’s important to take them with a grain of salt. Some reviews can be fake and others may have been submitted by the contractor themselves. If you’re not sure, ask the contractor for references and visit some of their previous projects.
It’s also a good idea to check out how long the company has been in business. This can give you an indication of their stability and if they have a solid reputation. It can also be a sign that they’re committed to their business and care about their customers.
Check Out Their Website
The internet can be a homeowner’s best friend when it comes to researching contractors. Look for online reviews and references from past clients, as well as their social media presence. This will give you a good idea of the quality of their work and whether or not they are right for your project.
Many home improvement pros have websites with pictures of previous projects they’ve completed. This is a great way to see the quality of their work and get an idea of their style. It will also help you weed out any red flags, like if they request that you pay in cash.
Another useful tool is the Angie’s List website. This is a completely free service for homeowners that does not accept advertising and allows consumers to rank their experiences with local contractors. Additionally, it provides price information based on apples-to-apples comparisons from secret shoppers.
Check Out Their License
When you narrow down your list of contractors, experts suggest that you ask each one for a portfolio of projects and references. This will give you a sense of their work ethic and style. Ask about the projects, when they were completed and how satisfied their customers were with the finished results.
Some states require that home improvement contractors have a license and insurance before they work on your home. You can find out more about the requirements in your state by visiting their website or calling the office directly.
It’s also a good idea to meet face-to-face with several pro candidates before you decide who to hire for your project. This will help you determine who communicates best with you and is the most comfortable working on your home. Then you can choose the pro who is best qualified to complete your project.
Check Out Their Insurance
When it comes to your home, you need to take the time to find a contractor you can trust. This is particularly true after a natural disaster or major weather event. Untrustworthy contractors can take advantage of people who are desperate to get their homes repaired.
Make sure the contractor you hire has liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance. You should also ask the contractor about professional liability insurance. This type of insurance will cover any damage that may occur during the project.
It is recommended that you get at least three estimates before making your final decision. This will give you a good idea of what the various options are and will help ensure that you make the best choice for your needs. It is also important to check if they are licensed, insured and bonded. If they are not, this is a red flag and you should look elsewhere. If you follow these tips, finding a reliable contractor should not be too difficult.