How to Find a Dependable Contractor for Your Home Improvement Project
Easy Ways to Identify the Best the Contractor for Your Next Home Improvement or Remodeling Job
In the state of Virginia, trade licenses are required for contractors performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting, asbestos abatement and lead abatement work. Other remodeling pros in this state, among others, don't need a license. How can you gauge contractor quality and expertise? How do you know who to trust with your money, home and family?
Sure, the number of contractors and remodeling firms alone is enough to make you dizzy. Reports of poor quality just about makes you want to give up. But, you can do some things in advance of a home improvement project that will help ensure contractor quality and reliability. Where to start? Here are some easy steps to take before you hire a contractor to do work on your home:
Get referrals. Get out your address book. Get online. Talk to friends, colleagues, neighbors and family members for referrals and recommendations. By networking your group, you can leverage the information to make good decisions about which home improvement pro will do the job best for you.
Get estimates. Not one. Not two. But, three estimates are better than one and will give you an idea of the going rate for time and materials. Estimates also help you better understand the component parts of your remodeling work so that you and your family know what to expect down the line.
Seek references. Don't be afraid to ask the contractor for a few references to measure customer satisfaction. By talking to others, you can figure out if a contractor or remodeling expert is a good fit for you and your family.
Check for licenses and other certifications. If you're paying top rate for an installation, repair or remodeling work, it pays to check out a contractor's licenses, certifications and insurance policies. Browse the NARI website or those of the building industry to find out what these certifications mean and how they relate to the work you have in mind. Be sure to check for things like workers compensation and general liability insurance.
Do your research. Call the Better Business Bureau in your area. Check with suppliers to make sure the contractor is reputable and timely with his billing practices. Consult the regulatory and consumer protection offices, agencies and departments in your local community to see if the builder or contractor has a good reputation or a pile of complaints against him/her. Doing your research in advance of the project can save you time and money in the end.
RESOURCES
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
www.nari.org
Associated General Contractors of America
www.agc.org
National Electrical Contractors Association
www.necanet.org
Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association
www.phccweb.org
National Roofing Contractors Association
www.nrca.net
National Tile Contractors Association
www.tile-assn.com
Building Trades and Construction Department
AFL-CIO
www.buildingtrades.org
Top 3 Things to Do Before Signing Off on Your Home Improvement Project
By M. G. Hardiman for Associated Content
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by M.G. Hardiman - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Career professional in non-profit sector, one of AC s Rising Stars (2009) and Featured Contributor in Home Improvement, Health and Wellness, Local, and Arts and Entertainment categories. Washington, DC metr... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentMost importantly - don't pay for a job until it's done. In this economy, there are plenty of qualified people looking for work. If they're not willing to finish their work first, then there's someone else who can do the job. This will give you piece of mind and prevent sticky situations.
I'd recommend folks take advantage of www.RateMyContractors.com to find good contractors and avoid no so good ones. Rate My Contractors is completely free to use and contains unbiased ratings of local home improvement contractors provided by friends and neighbors. RateMyContractors.com works much the same way as RateMyProfessors.com which is used by millions of college students each year to select their professors. If you've had a really good experience or a really bad one share it with others. The good guys get rewarded (with more business) while the not so good ones learn that leaving customers unhappy does end at the customer's doorstep.
This is universal. It's amazing the trouble we've had getting anything done! Great job.
Great job on this - if only we could find someone who puts this much effort into the home improvement process as you did for this article!!! cheers :)
Good info!
Thanks for your read, Jenny!
Oh, you can also check with the state Attorney General to see if there were any complaints filed.
Good article with excellent info. Just one thing to add - you don't have to call the BBB, you can go to their website and get reports on companies.
Thanks for sharing! My computer crashed and have had to skip a few of your great pieces. Sooo sorry! Hugs!