Does Your Contractor Have Something to Hide?

via Carl Dawson || source unknown

You need to do some renovating around your house. Perhaps your project is a manageable one — maybe a room needs a new coat of paint, or maybe you’d like to add a bit of storage space in the kitchen. With a certain amount of experience, a good dose of know-how, and the invariably extensive resources that the Internet can provide, you can probably accomplish these kinds of tasks on your own. Perhaps, on the other hand, you want to add an addition to your house — this project is more ambitious, and you probably will want to hire a contractor. There are many around, but it’s good to know what to look for when hiring one.

Some contractors will try to hide or downplay vital information.  Does Your Contractor Have Something to Hide?:

* The Contractor’s Web Presence

Most companies and individuals create a web presence for themselves — this is a method of self-promotion and a way of creating an identity, and there is nothing wrong with it, per se. Sometimes, this process is productive — a web presence can reflect positively on the individual or the company and lead to good business. Other companies and individuals fear people will take the time to read what’s said about them. They’ll try to hide the scathing reviews. Perhaps they’re the cheapest — but as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Be resourceful and use the Internet to read reviews that other clients have written about your contractor rather than simply hiring your contractor based on his or her own word.

* Check Rates

You should check for competitive rates online, too.  It’s important to note that you should never choose the cheapest contractor you see available. Low cost equals low-quality work. You also want to make sure you aren’t being ripped off.

* Photos and Examples

Ask for photos and examples of previous works. A contractor with a long background and history of high-quality work should have a portfolio. Your contractor should have various photos of work and should be able to give references to previous jobs. It’s always reassuring to hear recommendations from friends and family.

* Keeping Tabs

After you’ve hired your contractor, it’s good to check up on him or her. Ask any question that you might have, and make sure that your contractor is able to explain what he or she is doing and why it’s being done. If a contractor can give you various options and explain in detail the reasons behind various decisions that have been made, then this shows the contractor’s capabilities, and it demonstrates that you’re paying for quality work. If a contractor doesn’t really communicate with you, the client, then your contractor may be taking short cuts, or he or she may not be as competent as you would like to believe.

* Simultaneous Projects

Discuss dates, and learn what other projects he or she is currently working on! Sometimes contractors will take on too much and won’t have time to finish what you need them to finish within the specific time frame you set. It’s important to talk with a contractor who isn’t busy. Ask them about other projects he or she is working on, and ask about when he or she can start and finish. Ensure that your own project will be a priority.

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Carl Dawson loves to do DIY projects, and he is a contributing author at http://www.homeinsurance.org.