How to Hire Building Contractors?

Answer 1

Many people like to think that they can handle all of their home improvements, but for large, labor intensive jobs, sometimes the only viable option is to hire building contractors. Building contractors have the tools, manpower, and experience to complete the job quickly and professionally. Hiring a good contractor can be tricky, however. You have undoubtedly heard nightmare stories about incompetent building contractors that have gone over budget and have done poor work. Like everything, there are good building contractors and there are bad ones. How can you sort through all of them to find excellent help? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hiring building contractors to work on your property.

First of all, when hiring building contractors, talk to your friends and family members about contractors that they have dealt with in the past. This is usually the best way to find building contractors since you’ll have firsthand knowledge about their qualities and work. Generally, if your friends and family are happy with the work that their building contractors have done, you will be pleased as well.

If your friends and family do not have any recommendations for building contractors that they can give you, your next step is to begin to call contractors for estimates and interviews. Check by looking in the local phone book for building contractors and call at least three of them to give you an estimate. Most good contractors will provide free estimates. While the contractor is at your home, ask him about his experience and for a list of references from recent work he has done. After the contractor has left your home, call those references and listen to their experiences with that contractor. Also, take the time to call the Better Business Bureau for more information about the building contractors. There, you will find any complaints that past clients have lodged against the contractors and how these situations were remedied.

Another important factor to consider is if the contractor is insured. Insurance not only protects the contractor, but also removes your liability should an accident occur in your home. Make sure that the building contractors that you hire have liability and workman’s compensation. Although not required, you should also consider hiring someone who is licensed.

Finally, let your intuition be your guide rather than price alone. Although one building contractor may offer the lowest price, you may feel more comfortable with the personality and presentation of a higher bidder. Go with your gut and select the contractor that puts your mind most at ease.

Hiring good building contractors can take a little work to weed out the bad ones, but once you find a trustworthy and qualified building contractor, you can use him over and over again for all your home improvement needs.