Hiring a Contractor: Home Improvement for the Rest of Us
Like millions of other home owners around the country, many of you probably have plans to do some home improvements this summer. The do-it-yourself types have probably already started their projects. Maybe they’ve even completed them.
Then, there are the rest of us. I enjoy my power tools as much as the next guy, but my ability to actually build something functional is limited at best. I suspect that a lot of people are in the same situation.
In fact, if you’re anything like me, that’s probably why your summer reno projects are still not finished. You’ve been thinking about doing it yourself, but don’t know where to start. At this point, you have three options.
- Continue to procrastinate. Maybe you’ll get around to it next summer.
- Attend a training seminar at your local hardware store, go home, use what you’ve learned.
- Hire a contractor.
The first option is definitely the easiest, but it also means that you’ll never get things done. In all likelihood, you’ll do the same thing again next summer. For some of you, this will not only mean that your project isn’t complete, it’ll also mean a very angry spouse.
Having ruled out Option #1, let’s look at the other 2 choices. If you’re truly set on doing it yourself, attending a training seminar at the hardware store is probably your best bet. Many hardware stores offer these sessions for free, so you’ve really got nothing to lose.
If you’ve decided that you don’t want to do it yourself, or you’ve given it a try and decided that you just can’t figure it out, you’ll want to hire a contractor.
photo credit: Schilling 2
Hometips.com has a good article with tips for hiring contractors. Some of the most important tips include asking for references, and actually checking them; making sure that the contractor is licensed; and making sure that the contractor is insured for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability. The article also recommends finding a contractor through a personal recommendation, whenever possible.
When possible, choose a contractor through personal recommendations. Try to get referrals from friends or neighbors who have had similar work done. You can also find prescreened local contractors through online services such as ServiceMagic.
Once you’ve come to an agreement with a contractor, get it in writing. A reputable contractor will not have a problem signing a service agreement. If the contractor is unwilling to use a written contract, do not hire him.
After you’ve found the right contractor for the job, and have your agreement in writing, you’re free to sit back and let the contractor do the work.