Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Tips on how to hire a home contractor

Are you looking to do some home improvement? Perhaps you want to add a closet, repair your basement’s walls or replace your kitchen floor? No matter the project, finding the best contractor for the job is key. Checking with close friends and family to see who they recommend is a good strategy, because the advice is coming from someone you trust. However, there are also websites such as HomeAdvisor.com and Angie’s List where you can compare and contrast contractors to find the one that best suits your needs. Here are some tips on how to hire a contractor and what you should do after you have hired a contractor:

Know What Type of Home Contractor You Need

There are different types of contractors. Knowing the difference is key so you can hire a contractor for the job at hand. A general contractor manages all aspects of a project, including hiring and supervising all subcontractors. They also handle obtaining permits and make sure inspections are performed. A specialty contractor focuses on specialized projects such as cabinetry or tile work. An architect is a contractor who designs projects from the ground up or they can be consulted for major renovations that include changes to the building’s structure. Lastly, there is a combination designer/build contractor who takes on responsibilities of both the general contractor and the architect (design aspects). Understand the details of your projects so you hire a contractor that is best for the job.

Do Your Research

Reach out to trusted friends and family who have hired a contractor for work on their home. That way, the recommendations are coming from someone you know, and, they may even invite you into their home to observe the completed work.

Look online at sites where people can rate and review contractors. Find someone who has hired a contractor for work on their house similar to yours. Search online for the contractor you have selected to work on your home or on review sites with the key words “rip-off” or “scam” to see if any results pop up on a website or social media. This would be indicative of a contractor that has a bad reputation on past projects and should not be hired.

Lastly, check the contractor’s qualifications. How long have they been in business? How many projects in your area have they completed in the last year? What licenses do they have? You can usually check on these qualifications for verification with your local building agency or consumer protection agency. Ensure that their licenses aren’t expired and that they have followed all state and local laws with past projects.

Ask the Contractor Questions

Once you have a few contractors to choose from that meet the preliminary criteria, begin formal questioning. Ask the contractors questions such as:

  • How much do you estimate this project will cost? Could you break that down for me between labor, equipment and material?
  • How many projects similar to mine have you completed in the last year?
  • What type of permits will we need to move ahead with this project?
  • Do you have a list of references you could send me?
  • What types of insurance do you have?

Check Insurance Coverages & Contracts Regarding Home Contractor

All contractors should carry specific types of coverages with their insurance policies. Make sure they are covered for:

  • Personal Liability
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • Property Damage

If the contractor you hire does not have the right insurance coverages, you could be held responsible for any injury that happens on your property during the project. If you have questions about these insurance policies and coverages, reach out to our Personal Insurance team at Lawley or our Construction Insurance team.

As far as contracts go, make sure you have a written contract that includes:

  • Payment schedule
  • Start and end dates
  • Company name, address and phone number
  • Down payment requirement
  • Change order handling
  • Contractor warranty specified to what you want/contractors guarantee
  • Complete project specs

Keep Records Throughout the Project After You Hire a Contractor

After you have selected your contractor, make sure you keep track (on paper) of all contracts, change orders, correspondence and payments in one place. Having two copies is also a good idea. Writing down times and dates of phone calls on a calendar, taking pictures of the job day-to-day and logging any changes can be very important if the contractor makes a mistake and you need to pursue a lawsuit. Create a final checklist that must be completed before you pay your final bill for the project. Make sure the contractor knows you would like all tasks completed before you sign off on the last payment.

 

 

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