Unless your home was built to your specifications from the beginning, there are probably some things you’d like to change about your space. Maybe, however, they are too intensive for you to do by yourself and you’ve been hesitant to hire a contractor because you’re afraid of having a bad experience. This guide is here to help! As you read on, you’ll find some useful tips that will make it easy to avoid hiring an unreliable or untrustworthy general contractor. Our goal is to help you gain the confidence you need to choose someone to help you turn your home into everything you’ve always wanted it to be.
- Don’t underestimate word of mouth recommendations – In our tech-centric society, it’s all too easy to rely solely on the internet and television advertising to find a local contractor. The best thing you can do, though, is talk to friends and relatives who have recently had work done on their own homes. If they are happy with how their jobs turned out, ask them who their contractors were. This is a great way to find out who you can trust in your area.
- Talk to three or more general contractors – Hiring the first contractor you speak to without interviewing anyone else is a bad idea. You might ultimately decide the first option is the best, but it’s important to compare him or her to other choices first. This will give you the chance to figure out who you like best and who has the fairest pricing.
- Find out who will actually be doing the work – If you really like the contractor/ or sales representative who comes to your home to give you a quote, but the person who shows up on the first day of the project isn’t the same individual, you could find yourself thrown for a loop. This actually isn’t uncommon; contractors sometimes hire out certain jobs to subcontractors or let other employees do the work from time to time. At your preliminary consultation, make sure you find out who will be coming to your house to oversee your renovation project.
- Get proof of license and insurance – In some parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, contractors have to be licensed in order to work legally. If you live in one of these regions, make sure every professional you’re considering has a valid business license. In all areas, contractors need to carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance to ensure that all parties are protected should an incident occur. If a contractor is hesitant to show you proof of his or her policies, move onto another option.
- Know if you need a specialist – Some contractors specialize in doing certain sorts of projects. If, for instance, you want a slate roof put on your house, you’ll have to look for a professional who understands how to work with that particular material. If your project is highly specialized, it’s important to make a point of hiring an expert contractor who has experience with similar types of jobs.
The Hatch Homes team is highly skilled and brings varied passions to the table. No matter what kind of work you want to have done on your house, we can help you. Our courteous, professional technicians will work closely with you to make sure you are pleased with how your project is coming every step of the way. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you!