When you hire a contractor to perform work on your home or business, you’re putting some of your most important assets into their hands. That’s why it’s so important to find a reliable contractor who you can count on for transparency and high-quality work.
Tens of thousands of contractors are working in the United States today, and it can be challenging to sort through your options to find the contractors you can count on. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to separate the best from the rest. From making sure the contractor has a contractor bond to requiring everything in writing, you can use these techniques to find a contractor who treats your property, time, and money with respect.
1. Look for a contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured.
These three criteria are usually mentioned together because they’re the bare minimum that you should demand from a contractor. Any contractor who lacks any of these isn’t worth your time. Let’s take a look at what each term means:
Licensed: In most U.S. states, contractors must have a contractor’s license issued by the state government. Some states don’t require contractor’s licenses, but individual towns and cities in those states often do.
Bonded: Contractors should always carry a contractor’s bond. This is a type of surety bond that protects a contractor’s clients in the event that the contractor breaks the law or fails to complete a contract as written.
Insured: Contractors also need insurance to cover their obligation if they damage your home or are responsible for an injury on the job site. Ask a contractor specifically how much insurance they carry—because it might not be enough to cover your property.
Most states offer contractor’s license databases that allow you to check whether a contractor’s license is legitimate. This should be one of your first steps in establishing a contractor’s basic credentials to work on your property.
2. Ask the right questions when interviewing a contractor.
You can learn a lot about a contractor by asking them the right questions. Some things you should always find out include:
The length of time the contractor has been in business (and whether they have ever done business under another name)
Whether the contractor has worked on projects similar to yours and what their results were
How you can get in touch with the contractor (preferably with multiple options)
Whether the contractor works with subcontractors or does most work in-house
Who will be leading the job site team on the ground (as it’s often not the same person who gives you the estimate)
References you can contact who will vouch for the quality of the contractor’s work
A contractor should be ready to set your mind at ease with answers to any and all of these questions. The more information they’re willing and able to provide, the more confident you can generally be in their answers.
3. Do some online research to learn about a contractor’s reputation.
State contractor licensing databases also often include publicly accessible listings of complaints that have been filed against a contractor. Check your state’s database to see if a contractor’s clients frequently file complaints against them. It’s also worth checking sites like Angie’s List that provide reviews of contractors. Look for patterns in what people like and dislike about a contractor’s services.
A few minor complaints against a contractor shouldn’t necessarily disqualify them, especially if the contractor has been in business for a long time. And, at this point, it should be a given to always take internet reviews with a grain of salt. But if a contractor has an extensive record of complaints and bad reviews, it’s easy to read between the lines and see that you should probably steer clear.
4. Demand that the contractor put everything in writing, including their estimate.
Putting everything in writing helps protect property owners in the event of cost overruns or other disputes with the contractor. This rule can apply to nearly every dealing you have with the contractor.
A contractor should be willing and able to provide you with a written estimate for your project and sign their name to it. There’s nothing wrong with getting a verbal estimate, but a written estimate will provide you with legal leverage in the event of a dispute. Strongly consider finding another contractor if the one you’re working with is reluctant to provide a detailed written estimate—it’s a major red flag.
When it comes to the actual contract for the job, make sure that the terms are clear and unambiguous. It’s a good idea to have a lawyer look over your contract, especially if it’s for a larger project.
5. Look for a contractor who can navigate your state and local laws.
Knowledge of building codes and permitting processes is one of the biggest reasons to work with a contractor. Contractors should be familiar with all applicable local regulations and be able to navigate the permitting process for you. Be extremely wary of any contractor who wants you to pull permits for the project yourself—this is a classic sign of an unlicensed contractor since contractors must usually be licensed to pull permits.
6. When you find a contractor you like, stick with them and recommend them to others.
Contractors thrive on networking and the ability to secure new contracts. If you’re happy with the results from your contractor, it’s a great idea to reward them with repeat business and recommendations to friends. Leave them a positive review online to help them attract more customers.
Why is this important? This kind of support helps contractors stay afloat and grow their businesses, especially in uncertain economic times. By giving a good contractor your repeat business and your endorsement, you help ensure that you have reliable help available when you need it.
Finding a reliable contractor requires a little bit of research and due diligence. However, the reward is amazing: A trusted partner in making your home and/or business the best it can be.
