How to Hire a Contractor

Whether you’re renovating a historical home, building a new addition, or simply remodeling an outdated kitchen, there’s nothing more exciting than deciding that now is the perfect time to get your much-anticipated project underway.

Hiring an experienced and reputable general contractor to get the job done can mean the difference between a seamless, well-organized project that delivers outstanding results, or one that’s beset with delays, consistently over budget, and winds up missing the mark.

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Much like a first date, your first meeting with a contractor can tell you almost everything you need to know to determine if they’re the best fit for your project. Here are a few important things to consider.

Researching Local Contractors

When it comes to finding the right contractor for your project, thorough research is key. Here are some essential steps to help you identify reputable local contractors:

1. Check online reviews: Start by looking up contractors on review websites such as Yelp, Angie’s List, or Google Reviews. Pay attention to the overall rating and read the comments to get a sense of the contractor’s strengths and weaknesses. Do they keep a clean job site? Do they maintain good communication throughout the entire project?

2. Ask for referrals: Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who have recently completed similar projects. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into the contractor’s work quality, communication style, and reliability.

3. Verify licenses and certifications: Ensure the contractor is licensed to work in your state and holds the necessary certifications for your project. You can check with your state’s licensing board or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a list of certified contractors.

4. Check insurance coverage: Confirm that the contractor has adequate insurance coverage, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you and your property in case of accidents or property damage.

5. Confirm their physical address: A legitimate contractor should have a physical address, not just a PO box. This indicates that they are a reputable company with an established presence in the area.

By following these steps, you can compile a list of potential candidates and find the right contractor for your project.

Before Your Meeting: Contractor Checklist

No matter how big or small your design project happens to be, it’s going to require a significant amount of time, energy, and hard work (not to mention a serious financial commitment) to knit your ideas into a cohesive vision, and then bring that vision to life.

You already know that you’re looking for an experienced contractor with a proven track record; you’d also like to work with someone who keeps the lines of communication open, understands your objectives, listens to your concerns, respects your time, and offers honest advice.

Before you schedule an initial meeting with any contractor, you should:

• Gather any project ideas and information you’ve collected.

• Prepare a comprehensive list of “needs” and “wants.”

• Determine your desired budget and your maximum budget.

• Compile a list of specific questions for the contractor.

• Ensure you have a comprehensive contract that outlines all the terms of the project to avoid potential disputes and misunderstandings.

Once you’re ready to put a meeting on the calendar, consider how easy it is to get in touch with the contractor to schedule an appointment:

• Did someone answer the phone right away?

• If you left a message, did they return your call promptly?

• Did they follow up with a confirmation email?

These things may seem incidental, but they’re actually a good indicator of what you can expect if you end up choosing this contractor for your project.

During Your Meeting: Project Management

When you’re about to sit down with a contractor for the first time, you probably already know a bit about their reputation and level of craftsmanship.

While your initial meeting can certainly help you learn more about their experience as well as their standards, it’s also the perfect time to assess their professionalism and gain insight into the kind of working relationship you can expect to have. The following considerations should factor heavily into your selection process:

• Did their representative arrive on time for the meeting?

• If they were running late, did they call or text to let you know?

• Were they professional and presentable?

• Did they listen attentively to your ideas and goals?

• Did they ask questions, take notes, and collect information?

• Did they help you understand their approach to project management?

• Were they able to answer all of your questions?

• Did they set expectations for the next step in the process

An exceptional contractor respects your time, listens to your needs, asks questions, works to get a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, and truly values the opportunity to be part of your project. A successful first meeting should leave you feeling satisfied that:

• The contractor is fully licensed, bonded, and insured.

• The contractor is organized and easy to reach.

• The contractor is committed to keeping you informed.

• The contractor has high standards for their trade partners.

• The contractor has good relationships with their suppliers.

A successful first meeting should also leave you feeling confident that your project is in the hands of a professional team of designers and builders that truly cares — a team that will do its best to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Evaluating the Contractor’s Proposal

Once you have a few potential contractors in mind, the next step is to evaluate their proposals carefully. Here are some key elements to consider to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money:

1. Scope of work: Make sure the proposal includes a detailed scope of work that outlines all the tasks, materials, and timelines for the project. This helps you understand what to expect and ensures there are no surprises later on.

2. Estimated costs: Review the estimated costs to ensure they are reasonable and comprehensive. The proposal should include all necessary expenses, such as labor, materials, and permits, to give you a clear picture of the total cost.

3. Payment schedule: Check the payment schedule to ensure it’s clear and reasonable. A reputable general contractor should not ask for full payment upfront. Instead, payments should be tied to specific milestones or phases of the project, and you should not be asked to make the final payment until the work is complete, and you are completely satisfied with the results.

4. Warranty and guarantee: Look for a warranty and guarantee that covers the work and materials for a reasonable period. This provides peace of mind that the contractor stands behind their work.

5. Insurance and bonding: Verify that the contractor has the necessary insurance coverage and bonding to protect you and your property. This is crucial for safeguarding against any potential issues that may arise during the project.

By carefully evaluating the contractor’s proposal, you can ensure that you’re hiring a reputable contractor who will deliver quality work on time and within budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my insurance company allow me to pick any contractor?

A: If you've had to file a home insurance claim to repair damage, your insurance company may have specific guidelines or preferred contractors for certain types of repairs, particularly if the work is related to an insurance claim. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand any restrictions or recommendations they may have. Always ensure that the contractor you select meets all necessary licensing and insurance requirements to avoid any issues.

Q: What's the difference between a general contractor and a design-build remodeler?

A: A general contractor manages the overall coordination of a project, overseeing subcontractors and ensuring the work adheres to building codes and project specifications. They focus on the construction phase, handling tasks like scheduling, procurement of materials, and site management. On the other hand, a design-build remodeler offers a more integrated approach, combining both design and construction services under one contract. This means they handle everything from the initial concept and design to the final build, providing a seamless experience that can save time and reduce costs by streamlining communication and decision-making processes.