How to Hire a Contractor

Cramped kitchen. Inelegant bathroom. Ugly paint job. You've lived with the imperfections for years. However, there are many things to consider before you hire a contractor. Is this project best done on its own, or could coupling it with something else be beneficial? Do you need the best in the business, the cheapest in town, or someone in between? How important is the insurance your contractor carries? Before letting the hammers swing, these questions need to be answered. If you're looking to begin any project from a minor upgrade to a major remodel, the following tips on how to hire a contractor are for you!

Before You Hire a Contractor
Undertaking a remodel of any size can be an exciting prospect. Many folks get so excited about starting a remodeling project, in fact, that they end up jumping in too quickly with the wrong company. Don't skip the preliminary stages of hiring a contractor! Do your homework, plan carefully, and follow these steps:

Get a clear idea of what you want. A good contractor will be able to help you improve upon your idea, but if the picture of what you want is vague, conveying your vision to someone else is bound to be more difficult.
Create a realistic budget. Have a specific number in mind on what you are able and willing to spend on this project. When you begin meeting with contractors, you'll be able to compare what each company can offer you for that price, which may make the decision on who to choose an easy one.
Give yourself some extra time to choose If your roof is caving in, this might not be an option, but for many other remodeling projects, early planning will give you the time to really examine prospective companies. When you want to hire a contractor, getting to know who's out there and what they can offer is a key element in many successful projects.

How to Hire a Contractor Who Suits Your Situation
You've got a good idea of your expectations and a realistic budget, now you have to start meeting with different companies. It's okay to be picky when you hire! A contractor is likely to respect specific questions and obvious research, and he or she should be happy to provide answers and feedback that makes you respect them in return.

Get multiple bids. Smart bosses don't interview just one person for a job. You shouldn't either. Getting several bids often leads to both the best price and the best contractor/client fit.
Check for licenses and insurance. Most states require remodeling companies, electricians, plumbers, and roofers to be licensed and insured. There are some exceptions for smaller projects, but any large undertaking should definitely be done by a licensed, insured contractor.
Ask for references. A great contractor will have excellent references, and when you have great references, you're happy to share them.
Check background. Investigate whether others have filed complaints against the contractor with the Better Business Bureau or your state's attorney general. Even great contractors might run into trouble on one project or another; if you ask about a specific instance, a prospective contractor should be able to give you a reasonable explanation.

Assessing Early Stages of the Project
Sometimes even the most careful planning and examination can still lead you to hire a contractor that is less than what you expected. Identifying that you've hired the wrong contractor early will waste as little money and time in getting a better one.

Assess punctuality. Is the contractor's first visit on schedule? If not, this may signal a disorganized company.
Set up a daily meeting. A short pow-wow with the leader of your crew each morning or each afternoon will be a good forum to learn what progress has occurred, and what issues have come up on both sides of the project. However, an unwillingness to have a set daily meeting time could be a sign of communication troubles ahead and a red flag that you may need to hire a contractor who better respects your needs.

Understanding how to hire a contractor is a task that takes some practice; the more you interview, check references, and talk to prospective contractors, the better you'll get at it. Remember, it's worth the time it takes to do the legwork before the project begins. It's your home, and you'll have to live in it long after your contractor has moved on. Good companies respect this and want you to be as happy with their performance on the job as you are about the finished product. After all, if you're elated with their work, there's a good chance you can be a reference for them to get more work in the future!

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