Hiring home repair professionals won’t just save you time and money but can also save you lots of heartache. But you need to make sure you hire the right professionals. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Interviews
Before hiring any contractor, you need to meet them and ask them questions. This is just like an interview to help put your mind at ease. This will help ensure you hire the correct professional who is knowledgeable and reliable. How experienced is the contractor? What’s their background? These are the types of questions you need to ask. Don’t forget to check their registration and licensing details too.
One more thing, always ask them about insurance. You need to know that you’ll be safe from claims in case something goes wrong. Be sure they have the required permits too.
Contracts
As is the case with any business transaction, you should have a contract along with an estimate. There should be a warranty on the repairs they perform as well. Make sure even the smallest of details are mentioned in the contract. This will ensure your best interests are protected.
The contract must be signed by both parties before the work begins. It should include a description of what is going to be done as well as how much it will cost and a timeline for the tasks to be completed.
Beware of contractors who offer extremely low bids. While this may be good for your wallet, it might not be the best option for your home. You don’t want contractors to cut corners and use sub-standard materials, right?
Warning signs
It always pays to be cautious when hiring a contractor. Look for signs you’re making the wrong decision for your project. Don’t give in to their pressure tactics and sign a contract either. It’s best to wait for a couple of days and look at all your options before choosing a contractor.
Don’t pay large sums of money upfront. Smart homeowners will pay in parts as the job progresses. When you pay everything up front, the contractor might just become lazy or may not prioritize your project. They’ve already received their money and couldn’t care less. It’s best to keep them on their toes by having a pay-as-you-go system clearly mentioned in the contract. It goes without saying that if they’re asking for a lump sum payment upfront, you shouldn’t hire them. They should also be willing to accept credit cards or checks. If they insist on cash payments, be careful.
One last thing, do not hire a contractor who randomly shows up at your doorstep. This means they don’t have enough work to keep busy. This might be because they are a new company or they aren’t very good. Either way, you wouldn’t want them in your home.