If you’re hiring a contractor for a home improvement project this summer, these 10 tips can help ensure that your contractor measures up.
- Hire only licensed contractors.
- Check the contractor’s license number through your state’s contractor licensing board.
- Get at least three bids.
- Get at least three references for the contractor you choose – and be sure to contact these people so that you can review the work he’s already done.
- Ask for a written contract and don’t sign anything until you fully understand all the terms.
- Pay no more than 10 percent or $1,000 down, whichever is less.
- Keep records of payments and don’t let payments get ahead of work.
- Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the job. Put into the contract what that means. For example, some people put into their contracts that the contractor will only receive his final payment when the work passes its final building inspection or when the local building department grants a certificate of occupancy.
- Never pay cash.
- Keep a file of all papers related to your project.
The lowest quote may not actually be the cheapest. Do your research. Ask friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations and check with your Better Business Bureau. Remember, cutting corners on a construction project can be costly in the long run in terms of later repairs or reduced resale value.