How to hire a reputable contractor for your next home improvement project
Photo by Juhan Sonin / CC
Spring has finally arrived! Now that the temperatures are warmed up, you may be feeling inspired to tackle that home project you’ve been waiting on all winter.
If you choose to hire a contractor for a project or remodel, choosing the right person for the job is a big decision. We’ve all heard the horror stories of what can go wrong when a bad contractor is hired, so we’ve come up with a few strategies to make sure you pick the right one the first time.
- Check their credentials and history. Look for contractors who have been in business for more than a year, licensed and registered by the state, insured and generally have a solid reputation in the area. Be sure to interview your contractor over the phone, too, to see if they’re able to provide references or a list of previous clients.
- Keep your options open. Make a goal to get bids from at least three of your top candidates. If one contractor makes an offer that is significantly less (thousands of dollars) than the other two, take this with a grain of salt. This contractor could be using cheaper materials or putting out a low price to start the job with “unexpected” costs that will inevitably come up down the line.
- Expect a detailed contract. No matter how big or small, every project should come with an extensive contract. The items on the contract should include a timetable of the estimated work, description of the work, and materials used for the job.
- Set up a payment schedule. Work with the contractor to see what their options are for a payment schedule. A good contractor should have a bit of flexibility when it comes to how much you’d like to pay and when. They should also have no problem with a schedule that sees a majority of payments in the latter stages of the project. Contractors demanding a large percentage (50% or more) of they payment up front may be worried you won’t pay for the project after you’ve seen their work.
Pearson specializes in bathroom remodeling and can help you achieve whatever goal you have for your new bathroom. Whether you’re making your bathroom handicap accessible, installing specially made units for the elderly or you just want a more luxurious bathroom, it’s no problem for Pearson! Call us today for a list of references or a free estimate.
Learn more about our Aging in Comfort or ADA Handicap Accessible Bathroom Remodeling.
