Read here what you must know about contractors: 

You’re thinking about renovating your home, but you have two left hands, and it might be tricky for you to do it on your own. Then you should probably ask for the help of contractors. Sounds like a great idea, right? Well, it is, and it should be a pleasant experience if you know a couple of things upfront.

Now the thing is, how do you know you found the right contractor? And what should you ask to make sure of that? Well, we, the team at Crafty Captain, are here to help you with a tiny guide of what you must know about contractors before signing a deal. Let’s start:

Never agree to a general contractor’s terms without insurance

No way you will agree to sign the contract without proof of insurance! This is one of the first things you must know about contractors. Even if they seem legit or good and everything is in order, be certain they’re insured.

Before beginning a job, an authorized contractor will have a variety of insurance policies. The most crucial type is general liability insurance. Any harm they may do to your property while working is covered by liability insurance.

This can include things like poor construction, low-quality craftsmanship, or unintentional damage like water leaks. It’s crucial to confirm that the person you choose to complete a large task, such as installing a new bathroom or replacing the roof, is covered by this insurance. If not, they can abandon the project and leave you to pay hundreds of dollars for damages.

Try to never take their word for granted, no matter how hard they try to convince you to trust them!

Ask the contractor for previous references

As we previously mentioned, it’s mandatory to have a serious discussion before signing any papers. So don’t be afraid of asking them for previous references. Any serious contractor should be able to provide at least 5-6 customers they have done a similar job for.

And you don’t have to believe them right away! Call those references and see what they have to say if they know the contractor and how the quality of the job they did was. Of course, don’t forget to ask them if they would hire them again for other stuff in the future.

It might sound like interrogatory, but it’s your money after all, and if you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a poorly done job, it’s better to be a little bit nosy.

Check the contractor’s reputation on the web

Besides their references, look up on the internet to see if they have social media or Yelp and Google reviews. This will provide more information about their services and customer satisfaction as well.

Always verify their license and certifications (if they have any)

Before hiring a contractor for the job, make sure they’re authorized in the state or municipality and have the required credentials. This makes it more likely that they will fulfill industry requirements and have the legal authority to carry out the task.

If they’re not local, that’s a red flag

The prices, the reviews, everything sounds a bit too good to be true right? Well, we’re being honest here so we advise you: never hire a contractor from another city or state. There’s always a trend with contractors from out of state.

It is common for contractors to be nonchalant about their reputation if they do not reside, work, or play in the neighborhood. Their efforts will demonstrate that they are motivated solely to rip you off.

And the worst thing about this is when you try to file a complaint about the poor job…well you can’t. They’ve already gone on to another town for another fast flip and of course, you won’t be able to find them.

Hiring a contractor who lives and works in your state is always recommended, as you can easily locate them if needed. They will also have better knowledge of local laws and ordinances as locals.

Establish a clear “deadline”

Yes, that’s crucial to do before the contractor starts renovating. Ask them for an estimated duration in weeks or days, depending on the job. Talk about the consequences of completing late and what occurs in the event of complications. It’s important to have everything written in the contract so there won’t be any confusion.

Never rush to pay upfront

This is a huge mistake many people make, so hear us out: one of the most important things you must know about contractors is to never rush to pay them! Never, ever! At least not the whole amount.

Every contracting company has a guideline to guarantee fairness. It involves explicit contracts, cordial working relationships, and only making partial payments for completed tasks.

When a contractor demands payment in full for the task up ahead or unusually high material costs “before a job can begin,” is a huge red flag, and you should avoid them.

Make sure the company is reputable by doing your research if you are asked for upfront payment. Have a formal contract that details the task and price as well. Finally, offer up to 25% advance.

When working with contractors, you will need to keep a lot of important documents somewhere safe. For that and other important stuff, get this Expanding Organiser File Folder, Letter Size—Black & Grey, 2-Pack to help you keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. It’s available on Amazon for $9.99. 

Request multiple estimates from contractors

You are spending a lot of money on any house improvement, so it’s very important to get at least three different opinions regarding any repairs. If you have the time, it is ideal to obtain five estimates. You may use this to determine how much money you should spend and how much trust you should have in the contractors.

Keep in mind that the work is being completed by more than simply a general contractor. You are paying for that individual’s expert opinion, and finding a trustworthy contractor is more important to you than just looking for services at a cheap rate.

Bottom line:

You have to come to terms with the fact that something will almost certainly go wrong before you transform your house into a building site. The weather might cause the start date to be delayed, the window frame might not fit into its designated place, the timetable could be advanced while awaiting the delivery of building permits, or some other small disaster could happen.

Although it sounds a tad unpleasant, this is what can happen during the building process, and there will always be many reasons why things won’t go according to plan. But don’t panic!

It is essential to collaborate with a contractor who can complete the task effectively and who is open to addressing any concerns throughout the project. Make sure you stay in touch with them as much as possible.

Do you think about hiring a contractor for your home improvement? Let us know in the comments section.

You may also be interested in reading about 7 Things Plumbers Always Do in Their Homes.