If you need to hire a contractor you want to make sure you are getting someone who is reputable and reliable. Hiring the wrong contractor can lead to mediocre work, delays, and potentially even legal problems. So save yourself the headache and make sure you invest the time into hiring the right one.
Here are 6 tips on how to choose a reputable general contractor.
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Get Recommendations From Friends And Family
Depending on the size of the job a contractor could be in/around your home for days, weeks, or even months. With that in mind, you want to make sure you are hiring someone who you feel comfortable being around you and your family. The first thing you can do is speak with friends, family, and colleagues to see if they know anyone or have any recommendations for general contractors. Hiring someone that has already worked for someone you know is ideal because you know more or less what you are in for.
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Make Sure They Are Licensed
Before signing any contracts or committing to anything you need to make sure that the person you are hiring has a contractor’s license that is legal in the area you live in. For instance, if you need a general contractor in Mesa, AZ then look for companies local to that area and ensure that their license is valid and up to date. If you are wondering why a license is important, it demonstrates a contractor’s credibility, knowledge, and experience. All of which will make you feel nice and confident when it comes to letting the contractor getting on with his job.
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Check Out Reviews
Another great way to help you decide on a contractor is to check out reviews online about them and the company they work for. This will help you narrow down your options as any places with consistently subpar reviews are not places you want to be wasting your time with. Make sure to cross-reference reviews on multiple reviewing platforms so that you don’t fall victim to believing fake reviews. This process can feel a bit trivial and long-winded, however, it is well worth putting in the time to make sure you find the right general contractor for you.
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Explore A Contractor’s Website
When you start your research into different options available, make sure that you do some thorough diffing around a contractor’s/companies’ website. On there you should be able to find customer testimonials, examples of previous completed jobs, and whether the staff is insured/licensed to do work. From their website you should get a pretty good idea of whether they are right for the job you have and whether or not you think they can do it well.
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Have A Budget In Mind
Consider setting your expectations early on in the researching process and set yourself a realistic budget. Starting with a budget will help you narrow down your options and that will save you browsing through reviews of contractors who are way out of budget. Also, it will stop you from overspending along the way as you already know what your money will be going to what expenses.
Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If a place is advertising itself as really experienced and high quality, but then are offering extremely cheap rates then that seems a bit suspicious. Avoid going to places that don’t quite seem right or places where you feel like there is a catch coming to get you at some point. When hiring a contractor it is usually to do a big job, and it is better to invest a little bit more money to have the job done correctly than to spend less only to have to spend again in the future when the job needs to be redone/repaired.
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Think Locally
While this one might seem obvious, it can be tempting to hire contractors who are operating outside of your local area as they might be more affordable. However, it is preferable to have a contractor who is more local as should there be any emergencies or complications arise, then they can get to the property and deal with the matter quickly. While this tip is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to your decision-making process, it is a solid point to consider carefully.
So there you have it, 6 top tips on how to choose a reputable general contractor. Take the time to do your research and consider all the options available to you. You should never rush a decision that could impact your home.