5 questions to ask before hiring your next contractor
Whether you’ve got a large home renovation project that you can’t wait to start, or are just looking to redo one small room, chances are you’re going to need to call a contractor. Contractors sometimes have a bad reputation, as though every one of them is actively trying to fleece you. Fortunately, that is not the case. Honest workers are still around. Here's a handful of questions to ask before hiring a contractor.
What’s your background?
The first question to ask before hiring a contractor is about their background. No, we don’t mean where they grew up and where they went to school, we mean their professional background. Think of this meeting as a first interview, but without a resume. Ask the contractor other projects they've worked on, how long they've been in business and whether they operate under their own name or that of a limited company. If they work under the name of a limited company, make sure both their name and the company name are on your estimate paperwork.
How do you work?
Continue interviewing your would-be contractor by asking how they like to work – do they complete projects themselves or hire them out to subcontractors? Do they have their own work crew or will they need to find people to fill positions before work can begin on your project? If they hire other employees, how often will thei verify the work and the timeline? Will they make daily or weekly visits?
Also, be sure to find out if the contractor (and any employees) have liability insurance and are covered under worker’s compensation. The answers to these questions will help you decide whether you’ve found a good contractor.
What’s your schedule like?
Along the same lines as above, ask your would-be contractor how busy they are. If you want a completed porch by summer and they're busy through July, perhaps you’re better off using someone else. The same goes if you are a night owl but the contractor plans to begin work at 6am every day for the next two weeks.
Finally, ask for a timeline (including start and end dates) and get it in writing.
How much will this cost?
Another thing to get in writing is the contractor’s cost of the project. For most people, one of the only questions to ask before hiring a contractor is, “What will this cost?” and for good reasons. Make sure to itemize the costs. A contractor who provides a great price but expects you to purchase all the materials is not as good a deal as a contractor who buys everything. The same thing applies to contractors who will handle all the permits paperwork.
Can you give me three references?
A great way to find a good contractor is to ask your friends and family for a reference. If they don’t have one (or worse still, only have a list of contractors not to use), you’ll have to start your search from scratch. If this is the case, consider asking your would-be contractor for a few references. By contacting these references, you can talk to someone who was once in the same shoes you are and who can tell you the honest truth about whether your renovation work is in good hands.
Armed with the answers to these questions you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your homework and have chosen a person who knows how to get the job done. The only thing left is to save up for your next home renovation project!