12 Key Tips For Hiring Contractors And Builders

When considering a big remodel job or a home built from the ground up, you may be confused about where to start. You must get hooked up with a good contractor that will get the job done correctly, and on time, without having to be supervised the entire time. But finding a contractor such as this is not as easy as you think. You will want to follow the tips below to ensure you get the best you can find in the area.

1. Research – You will want to go online and research the builders in your area. Find some that fit your need and dig into them even more. Do some specific searches to see what their reviews say. Check with any local contracting groups to see if they are part of it and if they are registered with the state as a contractor.
2. Check License and Insurance – Once you have started talking to the contractors, you will want to see a copy of their contractor’s license and business insurance. Check the expiration dates, and if your job is going past it, recheck their papers to ensure they were both renewed.
3. Check Their Recent References – It is OK to check with some references from a year or two ago, but the more recent they are, the better they will aid you in your decision to hire or not. If they have been idle from work for a while, you will want to know why.
4. Check Subcontractors – Every General Contractor will use subcontractors that they hire on the side to get the job done. You will want to check their license and insurance papers as well. No home builder should ever be allowed to work on your project that is not covered by their contractor’s insurance.
5. Estimates – Get all estimates in writing so you can review them and have them on file. They should itemize each aspect of the job and how much it will cost. You want to have more than one of these to work with, so you can go with the best contractor at the best price.
6. Timeline – The timeline that the contractor has discussed should also be written in writing. Remember that things happen, supplies need to be ordered and back-ordered, and weather conditions change on a dime. The timeline may need to be adjusted, and that is alright as long as it is for the reason you agree with.
7. Cleanup – Make it clear that they must clean up at the end of every day before going home. Also, make it clear that they are responsible for all cleanup and disposal of materials.
8. Contracts – Contracts also need to be in writing. They should detail the specifics of the job, the payments, and any other details that have been discussed. It is best to have a lawyer draw up the papers, but with some research, you can find information to help you make your own. 
9. Payments – The longer the job takes, the more payments you will be required to hand over. These payment details should be written on an official form, checked by both of you, and signed.
10. Upfront Payments – You never want your upfront payment to be extremely high. It should be enough to cover the expenses until the next payment needs to be made. 
11. Check or Card – Never pay in cash. You want to have a trail of payments made, so use a check or a card if they are set up to take them. If not, have a money order ready for them.
12. Reserve – Things to happen once the work begins. Building prices may skyrocket. The wall that you wanted to keep is full of mold. There will be some additions throughout the project, so you should always set aside a reserve fund just in case. But do not divulge the money to anyone working for you.

Follow these 12 tips for hiring a contractor or home builder. You will not get yourself into a contract with a horrible worker. You need to do all the legwork and check everything before deciding on the contractor to go with. Once that decision is made, get everything in writing, including small additions that are not part of the original contract.