As a homeowner, it’s nearly guaranteed that you’ll need the help of a contractor at some point. Contractors bring the expertise and experience you need to have a successful home project completed. But not all contractors are the same! While there are amazing contractors out there who are pros at what they do and at running the business side of things, some other contractors can either be a nightmare to work with or may leave you with poorly done work. That’s why it’s imperative that you ask any contractor these 6 questions to make sure the contractor is a good fit.
1. How long have you been in business? A contractor who has run their business for a while is more likely to be doing good work and will have more experience. Be cautious around new businesses that don’t have many reviews or references.
2. How long have you worked with the subcontractors? Most contractors will subcontract out some of the work, especially for large projects. You should check on the subcontractors and make sure that the working relationships between the contractor and the subcontractors is good by asking this question.
3. How many other projects are you working on? It’s common for projects to exceed the originally quoted timeline. This often happens because of delays in materials, but it can also happen if a contractor has overbooked their team. Asking this question will help you get an idea of how long the work will take.
4. What is the expected payment system? Every contractor is different when it comes to money. Some want 50% upfront and 50% at the end of the project, others will put you on a payment plan throughout the length of the project.
5. What kind of insurance do you carry? Working with an insured contractor is critical if you want any peace of mind. Make sure your contractor carries all of the required insurances for their work as this will protect you in case of an error or accident.
6. Who is my point of contact? Many contractors will work with you directly while others will have you work with an account manager. Make sure you know who the best person to contact is so you can get your questions answered quickly.
A great contractor is like a great real estate agent–basically your best friend! If you want recommendations for contractors in our area, just let us know!
