Get Smart: How to Choose View All
Hiring a Contractor
- Reliability is Key. Look for a contractor who is licensed by your state, has been in business for at least 5 years, and carries worker’s compensation and general liability insurance(and get copies of his policies).Also make sure that he has sufficient capital and doesn’t need your business to pay this month’s bills.
- The Workmanship Test. Most contractors carry photo books to show samples of their work. The only way to judge workmanship is through on-site inspection. Ask for names of recent clients and arrange to examine projects similar to yours from recent and older jobs.
- The Teamwork Test. Best contractors care as much as you do. If you want to be involved in every decision, then hire a contractor who is comfortable with close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, then hire one whose decisions you trust
- Get the Bids. To get comparable bids for your project, write out the specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures and give copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. Hire a designer to create project specifications, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
- Price Check. Double check the prices of the contractors, requesting a cost breakdown sheet. This should include expenses (including building permits and subcontractor bids), materials, fixtures, and labor. Do not forget to get a timetable
- Stay with it. The most successful projects are one where you have not walked away. Even the best contractor needs a watchful eye. Pay by check to company, 30% being a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Make final payments only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. -Steven M. Fisher
