While many people pride themselves on their DIY abilities, there are many situations where you may need a contractor. You may need to fix your roof, make some renovations, remove a wall or do countless other things. Contractors can give you peace of mind that the job will get done right, and take a lot of work off of your plate. Many are quite affordable for the work they do, too.
However, while hiring and working with one, it is important to do things the right way. If you make some mistakes along the way, it could make your experience a little less than optimal. This could lead to higher costs, delays in the work or simply a job that is subpar.
With that in mind, this article is going to go over some of the most common mistakes people make when working with and hiring contractors.
Not Checking Credentials or Experience
Perhaps the first thing to do when considering a contractor is to check their experience. You can’t hire someone without first learning about the work they have done in the past, and their experience in the field. A good way to learn this is by checking out reviews and testimonials left by their past clients.
Also, be sure to look at their credentials. They should have the right contractor training, and be up-to-date on all they need to do in order to do a good job. They should also be licensed and certified to do the work that you need. This can give you peace of mind and make sure you are confident that they are legitimate.
Not Getting Things in Writing
Another thing that many people fail to do is get things in writing. There are several reasons why a written contract is necessary. It can provide proof of details, protect you, and will ensure that any sort of dispute will be much easier and quicker to handle. Without a contract, it is all he said vs. she said, and it can be hard to prove what agreements were actually in place, and for what amount.
If your contractor wants to do everything over the phone or in-person, be a little weary. At the very least, you should have some detailed email correspondence, but a full contract for the work being done, the price and the timeline is a good idea. This can protect you if things don’t go to plan or they try to change the terms later on in the arrangement.
Simply Going With the Cheapest Option
When working with a contractor, the costs can vary wildly depending on the work getting done, but also who is doing it. While cost should certainly be thought about, you don’t always want to go with the cheapest option. If you do, you will often get what you pay for, which is poor workmanship. Never simply use price to decide which contractor to go with. It is a consideration, but also go over their reviews, their experience, how quick they work and when they can get the job done.
On the other hand, you may want to avoid the most expensive as well, as there are often better deals out there. The sweet spot is to find an affordable contractor that has a good track record of being fair, good at their job and trustworthy.
Making Sure You Find the Right Contractor
If you can avoid these mistakes, you can ensure that your experience with your contractor is a good one. Of course, these aren’t the only things to think about when hiring or working with a contractor, but they are among the most important.
