Service Plus Credit Union

Tips for Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor

Posted on March 11, 2021 at 8:39 PM by Service Plus

When the weather turns nice, homeowners start to plan for home improvements. Keeping up with routine maintenance improvements keeps your home looking nice and in good shape.

The next step is usually to hire a contractor to do the work, but this can be a bit daunting.  After all, how do you know who you can trust?  Here are a few tips when hiring for your next home improvement.

  • Be aware of door to door contractors who say they were driving by and noticed your roof or something else on your home needs repair.  As the homeowner, you should be the one who initiates the contact with a contractor who is known in your area.

  • Let the contractor know up front that you would like an estimate and plan on getting them from multiple candidates. it’s an honest way to begin the relationship and multiple estimates will help you find not only the best price, but the various materials or process choices you may have, as well as time frames available.

  • Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints filed against them. It’s also a good idea to see if there are any online reviews about their completed work.  Be aware that there could be a random bad review out there and that shouldn’t stop you from doing business with any particular contractor, but going through multiple reviews will give you a good sense of the overall consensus of their work

  • If this is a larger project, don’t be afraid to ask for references that you can call or completed work you can take a look at. This allows you to dig a little deeper than an online review.

  • Once you have chosen a contractor, be sure to get a written agreement that discusses the scope of the home improvement project, the quality of the materials to be used, the percentage of payment that is due up front (it should never be the full amount and don’t assume insurance will cover it all), who will be doing the work and the timeframe that can be expected.

  • Verify the contractor you use has the proper insurance and licensing to do the work you are hiring them for.

A little due diligence on your part will more likely help you choose a qualified contractor who can provide you a positive home improvement experience.  Your home and your wallet will thank you.

Categories: Home Equity Loans

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