Things to Look for in a Contractor

Posted on November 23, 2015 in Building Maintenance,General Info,Our Service

When looking for a contractor to work with, they are some key elements that you should keep in mind.

1. Get Recommendations- When starting to look for a contractor you should get recommendations from friends and family. They will have info on contractors that they have worked with that they like or dislike. Along with these, check online sources such as blogs to see what other people online are recommending.
2. Know what you want- As the client, you need a clear picture of what you want in your head so that you are able to explain your vision clearly to the contractor. Think about what you want it to look like, the amenities you want, and so on. Try using visual examples to help get an idea of what you want and that way you can show the contractor as well.
3. Get multiple bids- It is important to get multiple bids from several contractors. The minimum amount of bids should be 3 but you can go up to 6 or 7 for clear comparisons. Having multiple bids lets you compare the different prices of contractors as well as seeing what they offer. Some companies may give discounts for specific jobs done together. Watch out for the low ball prices because in order to offer this price the contractor may be cutting back in other areas.
4. Examples and references- Make sure you ask for examples and references on past projects. You should try to see if they have projects similar to yours in order to see how they work in that specific area. References from past clients will help build the contractors credibility. You’ll be able to tell if the other customers were happy with the work done or not.
5. Get a scope of work proposal- Know what you’ll be paying for. Ask the contractor for a scope of work proposal that outlines everything being done step by step, as well as materials and cost of labour.
6. Investigate the contractor’s qualifications- Before committing to your contractor, do some background research. Get their full name and address and make sure to check their licences and policy numbers. Also they should have insurance coverage. Check online to see if they are going through any legal actions or have had any in the past. See also if any formal complaints have occurred.
7. Get a written contract- A contract should include the start and end completion dates, information on any permits and fees needed, what materials will be used, what services by the contractor will be provided, payment terms, and consequences of default by either party. The contract should set up a payment plan in installations, so that you are able to see the contractor’s progress over time.

For more info or help when looking for a contractor, call us at 0845 604 1288.