Hiring a Qualified Contractor

Question:
What is the best way to ensure that I hire a qualified contractor?

Answer:
So often I see shows on television that portray homeowners being "taken" by unscrupulous contractors. dishonest contractors certainly abound, but homeowners can protect themselves by hiring with diligence. Your home is your biggest asset, so why would you trust it to someone you haven't thoroughly researched? Start your research with an introductory call to a contractor, asking a series of preliminary questions about work history, licensure and more:

Be sure to jot down a few notes regarding each contractor's communication ability, style and willingness to answer your questions.

Once you have pre-selected a contractor, schedule a face-to-face meeting. Make sure that all principal parties (the contractor and all decision-makers) participate in this appointment. Here are some questions to consider asking:

For major projects, ask about crew supervision, weekly project status meetings, the contractor's personal involvement in the project and anything else specific to your needs. Get multiple estimates. Remember, nothing is off limits; asking detailed questions is at the heart of due diligence.

Of course, consider your instincts. If your gut tells you something doesn't mesh with the contractor, you're probably right. With the proper research and your own intuition, you'll form an exceptional relationship with your contractor, resulting in a great home improvement project.

Dave's Bio
Since 1985, David Lupberger has worked in residential remodeling with a focus on delivering the highest-quality service to his clients. His successes led to many speaking engagements as well as authoring a book and numerous articles.