Are you in the process of hiring a contractor for your home remodeling project? Not all contractors are created equal, and not everyone is reputable. Here are the top 8 things every homeowner should know before hiring a contractor!
Top 8 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor
Be detailed when explaining your project ideas to your contractor.
The more specific you can be about your project, the better. This will help ensure that your contractor understands your vision and can provide you with an accurate estimate.
Get several estimates.
Review each estimate for the total cost of the project, quality of materials used, the timeline for completion, and the payment schedule.
Check to make sure each contractor that provided an estimate is licensed and insured.
You can verify a contractor license with your state’s licensing board. In Tennessee, head to https://verify.tn.gov/. All reputable contractors should be licensed and insured.
Ask for references.
And be sure to follow up with those references! A good contractor should have no problem providing you with a list of references from past clients.
Make sure there is a written contract.
A legitimate contractor will provide you with a contract to review and sign, especially for large projects. Check the contract for the total cost, the timeline for start and completion, the payment schedule, and the scope of the work. Read the contract and make sure you understand it before signing. Make sure any changes to the contract are included on a change order that will be in writing.
Don’t pay a large deposit.
Tennessee law prohibits contractors from asking for a down payment of more than 1/3 of the total contract price. If a contractor is asking for more, beware.
Inspect the work.
As the project progresses, take time to inspect the work that has been completed. Take before, during, and after photos.
Don’t make the final payment until you are satisfied with the work.
Once the job is completed, do a walk-through with the contractor to inspect the work. If there are any issues, be sure they are addressed before making a final payment.
Hiring a contractor doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If you do your research and follow the top 8 things every homeowner should know before hiring a contractor above, you can be sure to find a reputable contractor that will do a great job on your home remodeling project.