Selecting A Contractor

5 Factors to Consider When Researching Contractors For Your Next Home Improvement Project

Hiring a new contractor for your home improvement project can be a daunting task. Performing your due diligence prior to selecting the right person for the job allows you to feel comfortable and confident with who will be working on your home and with their qualifications. Before selecting your contractor, here are 5 factors to consider when researching.

1. Research their qualifications Check your state’s licensing board to ensure the contractor is properly licensed for the work they will be performing. Licenses should be current and not lapsed. If they utilize subcontractors, this research should extend to them as well. Most states, including Connecticut, have an online portal to assist with researching. For reference, here is the Connecticut License Lookup. All contractors you hire should have proper insurance in place, including liability and workers compensation. The Better Business Bureau is another resource for vetting contractors.

2. Elicit references, reviews and social media One of the most honest and useful tools to gain insights about potential contractors is through referrals and reviews. Leverage sites like Angie’s List, Yelp, Houzz, Google My Business and your city and/or towns local Facebook group, as well as asking potential contractors directly for referrals from previous clients. Hearing directly from a previous customer about their experience with the contractor provides insight into their work style, attention to detail, professionalism and project management. As an industry standard, 3 quotes should be gathered for each project so you can compare accordingly.

3. Examine workmanship and determine product quality When it comes to home improvement projects, product quality and workmanship make all the difference. You could buy the highest quality window but if it is installed incorrectly, it will not function and perform optimally. Research the brand of product materials they provide in their quote to ensure they will meet your needs and you aren’t paying for upgrades you aren’t interested in. Workmanship can be assessed through reviews, referrals, etc.

4. Beware of Potential Red Flags Contractors whose business practices go against industry standards should not be considered. Examples of this include:

● Asking for a large payment upfront. Never pay in full upfront and if a contractor claims to require full payment, move on to the next on your list as they are probably using your money to fund the job. No more than 50% of a project should be paid prior to starting and the schedule of subsequent payment should be agreed upon upfront. For example, 4 installments of 25% at agreed upon project milestones.

● Poor communication. Is it hard to get in touch with a contractor right off the bat when inquiring about a new project? This lack of communication could set the tone for the entire project. Communication lines should be open and honest between the homeowner and contractor, and as a homeowner, you should never feel burdensome for asking questions or for asking for project updates.

● Business information is difficult to locate and the reviews are outdated. If the contractor is difficult to find, chances are that is intentional. Always trust your gut. If something doesn’t look or feel right, chances are you are correct.

5. Discuss expectations upfront Once you choose a contractor, be sure to get insight into how they work and their process. This will keep them on task and ensure the project is getting done on-time and within budget. Some questions to ask upfront include:

● What does a typical day look like for your crew? Knowing the dates and timing that your contractor and their crew will be at your home helps you better prepare for the project as well as ensure that the crew is fulfilling their project expectations on a daily basis.

● What is a realistic timeline for this project? It is important to have a clear understanding of the timeline for the project before it even begins. Communicate with your contractor on the expectations you have as well as a realistic gauge of progress from the contractor’s perspective based on their expertise. This will ensure your expectations are aligned upfront and proactively identify any delays.

● What permits or paperwork do I need as the homeowner? Each state’s construction laws vary, and each contractor should be aware of any permits or paperwork that needs to be completed through the state. If a potential contractor does not know this information, move on to the next potential partner on your list.

● What is the process for identifying any additional expenses? Ask your contractor for a recommended “popup budget” so you can budget accordingly to any unforeseen expenses that might come up along the way. Anything that is uncovered once the project has begun should be brought to the attention of the homeowner right away so you can look into any homeowners insurance coverage that can be utilized to cover the costs and discuss next steps and costs with all applicable parties.

If you have other questions on selecting a contractor, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.