If you’re planning a large home improvement project in the coming months, then you’re probably in the process of finding a contractor or other service professional to do the work. For many people, this can be one of the most daunting parts of a large project, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be! Here are 6 expert tips to help you find and hire the best service professional for your project:
1. Get Recommendations
The first thing you should do in the search for a service professional is to ask your network for recommendations. If you have friends, co-workers, acquaintances, or family members who live in your area, reach out and see if they have had experience hiring a contractor for work similar to the work that you need done. Find out if they had an amazing experience or if they would recommend using a different company.
Honest, personal recommendations from those that you trust are one of the best ways to narrow down your choices and find the service professional that works best for you and your project.
2. Schedule Multiple Estimate Appointments
Before you make your decision, schedule estimate appointments with several companies or contractors. In many cases, companies offer these appointments free of charge, like these roofers in Fredericksburg, VA. The purpose of these appointments is to get a feel for the company and the way they treat customers, as well as learn the total price each company would charge you for the work and what is included.
Pay attention to how you feel during this appointment – was the communication thorough? Does the salesperson seem knowledgeable? Were your questions answered well? Keep in mind that the experience you have during the estimate appointment is likely similar to the experience you will have during the rest of your project.
3. Read Online Reviews
After you’ve had the opportunity to meet with each contractor you are considering, be sure to go online and read the reviews previous customers have left. Popular review sites include Google Reviews, Yelp, Angi, Better Business Bureau and HomeAdvisor. While every review may not perfectly reflect the standard experience with that company, if you notice trends – either positive or negative – occurring in the reviews, be aware that your experience may reflect those trends too.
4. Confirm Payment Terms
Before you move forward and sign a contract, make sure to verify the payment method and schedule with the company. Some contractors require payment in full before they start, others require a down payment of up to 50%, and some companies don’t charge at all until the work is finished. Making sure you know how much is due and when before you agree to move forward will help you feel confident and prepared as you go into the project.
5. Confirm Everything In Writing
As you’re preparing to sign the contract, take a few minutes to read through and make sure everything you discussed during the estimate appointment is included and correct in the document. This extra step ensures that you know exactly what you’re agreeing to and that everyone is on the same page.
6. Look For Value – Not Just The Lowest Bid
Finally, throughout the search process, remember to look for overall value that a bid and company provides, and not just the lowest price you find. Take into consideration things like quality of materials, skill of the crews, cleanliness expectations, and included warranty offers as you’re making your final decision. In many cases, a bid that is significantly lower than the others is probably lacking in skill, value, or quality.
As you search for a contractor, make sure to ask for recommendations from your friends and family, read online reviews, and schedule multiple estimates with different contractors. Look for the best overall value, and once you make your decision, confirm the payment terms and what is included in the contract before you sign. Hopefully these tips help you make the search for a service professional a smooth and simple process!