Tips on working with contractors for your home.

If you’re in the process of overseeing your first property renovation you’re in for a real treat as you get a crash course in working with contractors. While most are professionals who are dedicated to doing the best possible job for you, there are some out there waiting to take advantage of your naivety.

Here are some steps you can take before you hire a contractor to ensure that your first contractor experience is a positive one.

  • Have prospective contractors fill out an application. It may seem silly, but by having a prospective contractor take the extra step of getting an application and filling it out, you can assess how serious that contractor is in working for you.

  • Get references and check them-Your contractor will probably offer to provide you with references when they quote your renovation. Most will have good references, but you need to know as much as possible about a contractor’s work ethic before you sign on the dotted line and commit to spending several thousand dollars on a project. When you call their references ask specific, pointed questions about the quality of their work. If they have a tendency to not show up for work, or worse-disappear in the afternoon, it can significantly impact the profitability of your project.

  • Get all quotes in writing: By taking the time to get all agreements in writing, you’ll have clarity in the event that a disagreement crops up later.

  • Work with licensed and insured contractors: Make sure that their insurance information is accurate-and that their coverage is in force before letting them begin a job.

  • Don’t pay them until the job is done-   Don’t release payment until the job is done. Obviously, you’ll need to release some money for materials or your project probably won’t get started. Just be careful that you control the purse strings carefully.

Make sure you clearly define your expectations, by doing this you can ensure that your interactions with your contractor is a positive one.  Good luck with the renovations!

February 2012