So, you need work done on your home that you can’t, or don’t want to, DIY. It can be exciting to plan out changes to your home to better suit your needs, or a hassle to fix a problem, but either way finding a contractor that works well with you is a huge part of any homeowners’ projects. Here are some things to consider in your search.
Create a Budget and Timeline
You may not know how much things will cost, but you can figure out how much money you’re able and willing to spend on a project. You can also determine how soon you want the work done. Is it a pressing issue or can it wait until you have a bigger financial cushion for a rainy day? You can also do research into when services might be at their cheapest, like waiting on roofing and tree removal until the winter months.
Ask For References
Ask the people you know if they have any recommendations, but don’t stop there. Your HOA or local community might have a resource for you as well. Starting with these names could help you find a professional you trust quickly, especially if they have repeat customers in your network or community.
Online reviews (which sometimes need to be taken with a grain of salt) can help give you an idea of how consistent the work and working relationship a contractor has with their clients. Websites like Angie’s List can be a great resource, just remember people can be biased when they leave reviews. They’re not guarantees.
Check Their Credentials
It’s important to make sure the contractors you’re working with are licensed for their work. You can check the Maryland Department of Labor’s Licensing Queries site to make sure the company you’re using has an active license with the state. Your contractor being licensed protects you and them from issues, like an incomplete job or work injuries.
It’s also a good idea to check if there have been any complaints against them with the Department of Labor or if they have any mechanics liens (legal claims from subcontractors who haven’t been paid).
How long they’ve been in business can also be a key piece of information for you. If they’ve been around for a while, they will likely still be in business should you run into any issues with their work down the road.
Get Multiple Quotes
Yes, it’s more work and time, but it helps to make sure you’re getting quality work for a good price. Understanding the range in price expectations can make a big difference in choosing who will work on your home, especially for larger projects.
Consider all parts of the quote, not just the bottom line. Cost is important, but looking at what items each contractor recommends, what each item costs, and how in line the recommendations are with your requests can give you the best foundation to make your decision to move forward.
Remember that being the cheapest isn’t always a green flag, and being the most expensive isn’t always a red flag.
Companies may also offer warranties or guarantees on their work, so if something they did isn’t holding up or has an issue later, you’re able to have them repair it as part of the agreement of getting work done.
Choose the Contractor You Trust
You want a contractor you feel comfortable with and trust with your home. They should be willing to explain their work and answer your questions in a way that you can understand, leaving you feeling well informed and in good hands.
You also will want to consider how the contractor will work and communicate with you. If they only call and you only text, that’ll make communication difficult over the course of the project, whether it’s one day or one month.
Following the above steps can help you feel satisfied not only with your completed renovation, but also with the contractor who completed it.
