Use due diligence when hiring a contractor

Springtime brings with it not only the prospect of better weather; it’s also the time when you may be considering some home renovations or even buying an investment property and improving it. There are few scarier prospects about investments like these than hiring contractors who are sub-par, however. In an industry with an inconsistent reputation for reliability, it’s best to hedge your bets by being informed before jumping in with both feet.

Some stories of unscrupulous contractors may be true (starting a job, then disappearing with your money), and others may be embellished but well-meaning narratives to warn others. Keep in mind, however, that contractors have their share of real-life homeowner horror stories, too. As diligently as they try to complete their work, many of their clients change their mind midstream about materials that have already been ordered, prompting the contractor to take three steps back to punt just when they thought the job was nearly over.

Just as you’d want to know all there is about the surgeon who will perform a medical procedure on you, you should make it your business to have detailed criteria when choosing a contractor. You may surmise you can get much of this information from the cyber-pages of Yelp! or HomeAdvisor, but these sites should be considered mere conversation starters, just as the recommendations you receive from family and friends. After all, how can you know what anyone else considers important criteria (craftsmanship, pricing, and customer service) when hiring a contractor? That’s why it’s best to consider recommendations as just one part of the hiring process and to speak to no fewer than three contractors before considering hiring them regardless of their bids. Low bids may be just as troublesome a sign as inflated ones, but more vetting may alleviate your concerns either way.

The first step you can take is to perform online research into a contractor’s credentials through your local state contractor’s licensing board. Trades such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC require a license, insurance, and accreditation. Unfortunately, there is no national accreditation system for general contractors. This means each state has a different set of rules regarding who’s allowed to work where as well as how schooled a contractor must be to have obtained his license to begin with. A good resource too is the National Association of Home Builder’s handout that has a checklist for finding and hiring a builder or remodeler, available through the NAHB website.

Next, ask about a contractor’s history and specialties. Find out which past projects make them button-busting proud, what trades they tend to outsource, how long most of their workers have been with them, what their scheduling process looks like, and how many jobs they juggle at the same time. Better to know when they may be able to dedicate the lion’s share of their time to your project than wonder how many days per week they may be elsewhere. If there is ongoing or recently completed work you can see in person, by all means, take the opportunity to do so.

It’s prudent to ask how long the candidate you’re considering has worked as a contractor and how long they’ve operated their own business. Do they have an office, or do they work out of the back of a pick-up truck? Many skilled craftsmen are not great business people, but organizational skills are a must to get work done on time and on budget.

Another critical piece of information is how a contractor stays in touch with his or her clients. Communication is key to managing both parties’ expectations. Those expectations need to be spelled out, such as how often they will contact you about progress — whether via email, text, or a phone call. If you need regular face-to-face contact and a contractor prefers to merely text you when he gets home every other day, it’s not a good match.

Lastly, remember that adage about catching more flies with honey than with vinegar — and be nice. Assume the best intentions and your contractor may produce the best results.

Many contractors will go the extra mile for homeowners who are cooperative. Flexibility is vital here— best to expect surprises to occur, such as work cropping up as a result of having been concealed when the original estimate was provided. Just as you would hope for, contractors want to be treated respectfully as part of a partnership with the same end goal in mind. And never underestimate the power of kind words, an occasional cup of hot coffee, or a box of fresh donuts.

Final words here: get everything in writing, and apart from an initial deposit, don’t pay in full until the final punch list is fulfilled. Look over purchases your contractor has made on your behalf and do your math, comparing it to the original bid and asking about how it all pans out.

Source: Realtor Magazine, TBWS

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.

NMA Home Loans is Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate under License # 01111689 and NMLS # 320740

Ed Eissa

Mortgage Broker / Realtor

NMLS: NMLS 320740 - DRE 01111689

NMA Home Loans

7003 Sherbourne Lane, San Diego CA

Company NMLS: 320740

Office: 858-750-0931

Cell: 858-750-0931

Email: ed@nmahomeloans.com

Web: http://www.NMAhomeloans.com

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