When homeowners want to do renovations to their home, they typically consult or hire a contractor. Contractors can help with fixes big and small by assisting with every stage of the project. With so many people using contractors for their home renovation projects, it would seem like a straightforward undertaking, however, hiring a contractor is known to be one of the more stressful things a homeowner does. For many people engaging in home renovation, contracting is the top complaint when it comes to their home improvement projects. When asked, many homeowners said they wouldn’t hire their contractor again, even in situations where the contractors were recommended by trusted friends and family.
How, then, should a homeowner go about finding a trustworthy contractor that can help keep the project on-time and on-budget? It’s probably not possible to truly know if your contractor is the right one for your particular job. But that is part of the process. There are ways to be certain that whatever contractor you do decide to hire doesn’t defraud you, but if your idea of “trustworthy” is, “can I depend on my contractor to deliver on my vision,” then there are different approaches for that too. Read on to find out Ned Stevens’ tips for finding a trustworthy contractor.
How Can I Tell If A Contractor Is Licensed?
Perhaps the most important thing that you can do in terms of making sure that you aren’t choosing an unreliable contractor is to find out if they are correctly insured. Not all states require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded, so check with state regulations to see what is required and what you are comfortable with. In order to protect yourself from any possible issues, make sure any possible contractor has comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation and make sure that it is current. You can ask to verify their insurance information directly from the contractor’s insurance agency.
To ensure that no costly communication mistakes are made, ask for a written contract agreement with anyone you hire, making sure to read and understand the contract in its entirety before signing. Once you have chosen a contractor, never pay for any project or service until you are 100% satisfied with the work. While you may be anxious to get things back to normal, do not let your emotions get the better of you and do not be pressured into making an immediate decision.
What To Ask A Contractor?
If your real question about finding a trustworthy contractor is finding the right person who will understand your project goals and will take your home renovation as seriously as you do, then it will be necessary to ask a lot of questions. Interviews over the phone as well as in person are vital to truly ascertain any contractor’s availability, reliability, communication style and amount of time and attention they will be able to give you and your project.
Ask potential contractors if they typically take on projects of your size and scope. Find out if they are willing to provide a list of previous clients or financial references. It might be a great idea to find out how many other projects they have going at the same time. Discern how long have they been working with their subcontractors and have they had any prior issues. Don’t be afraid to have a list of all your questions and to ask them from the very beginning to root out any possible issues down the road. Your contractor should be able to answer your questions competently and in a way that puts you at ease about your project.
Ned Stevens Can Help
No one knows how much you care about your home like Ned Stevens does. We have been here since 1965 making sure that your home is as protected as it can be. We fully guarantee all of our work, and are fully licensed and insured. With Ned Stevens, you can be sure that with us, you’re protecting not just your home—you’re protecting yourself! Find out all about the expert services provided by Ned Stevens.
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