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Helpful Tips on Selecting the Right Contractor

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Resources: State Licensing Boards

Introduction

Selecting a reliable contractor can be a difficult and time- consuming task because the industry has a variety of terms, cost, availability, and specialist in a trade, knowledge, quality, and professionalism. Most licensed contractors are competent, honest, and financially responsible; however like all businesses, contractors are in the business to make money.

Below are helpful points with brief descriptions of things to take into consideration while selecting a contractor.

Please use these laws and notes as guidelines only. The laws may vary from state to state, as well as counties and other jurisdictions. If you are uncertain of the laws and guidelines of your state, city, or county, contact your local "Better Business Bureau" or look in the phone book under "Government Listings".

Get at least 3 estimates or bids.

Taking the time to get at least 3 estimates on each repair is an important key in potential savings. The level of work and supplies used with each contractor could vary drastically in an estimate. An important tip is to compare the bids by considering the level of detail done by each contractor and the quality of the craftsmanship and supplies used (name brand appliances and other high quality variables). Be wary of unusually low estimates. "If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!"

Consider your options with obtaining financing for your larger projects.

For larger projects, you may wish to consider a home-equity loan. As important as a contractor, you should shop around for your funding. Check with your contractor, he may be able to help you secure financing as well. Lending Institutions may offer Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. Beware of anyone who tells you that the FHA approves the contractors work or endorses the contractor. FHA does not guarantee any work by any contractor.

View the Contractors License, and Verify Insurance.

Always review a copy of the contractor's pocket license, and some other form of identification.

The name on the license should be the same as the name of the contractor or the business name that is contracting the work. You can also, Contact State Licensing Boards in your state to find out more about licensing. (Click here for a list.)

How do you verify the contractor's license?

Information about license status can be accessed from the Licensing Board. The available information may not reflect any civil or criminal judgments or actions that have not been reported to the Licensing Boards.

For repairs due to claims on your insurance, verify with your insurance company.

If your project is the result of damages covered by your insurance, it is critical to check with your insurance company to determine the extent of the coverage prior to signing any contracts.

Check Local References

Home and Grounds.com is not a referral service we do however provide useful interactive tools. Click here to see information such as info pages and direct links to vendor's web sites. Look for those vendors that are highlighted in our Service Search Engine. These businesses have represented to Home and Grounds.com that they are "licensed and bonded". As to the validity of these claims: We strongly recommend you confirm a contractor's license and insurance.

Even though you find information on vendors within our Service Search Engine it's also important to as contractors for references. Verify that previous customers have been satisfied with the work they have contracted the vendor for and it was completed in a timely basis at the agreed contact rate. Also, if any changes did arise, was the contractor willing to make any necessary corrections? If possible, obtain references from material suppliers, and financial institutions to determine whether the contractor is financially responsible and has shown integrity in the industry. Another valuable source of reference is your city, or counties local building permit offices.