With hundreds of options in the area, choosing the right general contractor for your home improvement project can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve broken it down for you, so know exactly what to look for when hiring a contractor.
Read on to feel confident about making your pick!
Tips for hiring the right contractor for the job !
- Go With Your Gut – The contractor could be in your home and around your family for days, weeks, or even months during this time. So if something feels off to you for any reason, don’t hire them.
- Think Local and Reputable – Local contractors who have been in business for a long time, are typically a reliable and safe bet. They likely have a vested interest in the community and therefore will put in the extra effort to ensure the project is completed properly. If they weren’t good at their job, they wouldn’t still be around after so many years!
- Ask for Referrals – Word of mouth is the best way to find a qualified professional to take on the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbours who are happy with their recent renovation project and ask them about their experience and recommendation when it comes to hiring a contractor.
- Interview Candidates – Narrow the list of contenders down to three and set up a meeting with each one. Notice the ease of communication between you both and their willingness to answer your questions.
Note: The Canadian Home Builders Association has provided an easy-to-use Contractor Interview Worksheet. It includes many useful questions for you to ask. Print it out to help you conduct these contractor interviews!
- Get It in Writing – After selecting a contractor, take a detailed look at the documents they have prepared. Does it look professional? Does it seem fair and well balanced? Lastly, make sure the legal agreement includes the following:
- A bid price and payment schedule
- Specifics about the scope of work
- A change-order clause
- An express limited warranty
- A clause including dispute resolution
At the end of the day, good communication is crucial during a renovation, so find someone you feel comfortable with and trust, even if this means spending a little extra. Oftentimes, the money people “save” from hiring the low bidding contractor, evaporates as the job progresses anyway!
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