Selecting and Working with a Contractor – from Start to Finish!
Take advantage of our helpful Hiring Guide outlining important considerations for outsourcing a particular home improvement project. The itemized Hiring Guide offers project-specific guidance and tips for evaluating and hiring contractors, so that you may take well-informed decisions and eliminate the risk of hiring the wrong contractor.
This section discusses the following: how to select the right contractor, what to avoid, getting quotes, the contract, payment arrangements, and how to deal with problems that could arise.
Regardless whether you're a home remodeling/repair do-it-yourselfer or a homeowner who doesn't know the different between an electrical socket and a socket wrench. At some time or another you will require the services of a contractor or similar type service provider professional. Whether for new construction, renovation, remodeling, repair, or landscaping purposes.
Depending upon the complexity and extent of project needs, the service provider you select will be spending time in or around your home for extended lengths of time. Daily or regular interaction between the service provider, yourself, and perhaps even your family members will be necessary. How to find a contractor is easy, finding the right contractor requires time and due diligence on behalf of the homeowner. Obviously, you will want to find a contractor hire someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
As a homeowner who will be investing not only a large amount of money in the project, but trust in the contractor on a personal level as well, you need assurance the service provider you hire is as reputable and professional as possible.
At TrustedPros we believe it is in the best interest of homeowners to take the initiative and inspect contractor qualifications themselves. Ensuring information provided is still accurate. And then make an informed decision based upon up-to-date information instead of information that could be out-dated. After all, it is they, the homeowner, who will suffer the consequences of hiring the wrong contractor.
Know, for instance, the difference between a "certified contractor" and a "registered contractor." A contractor who is certified has a certificate of competency issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and can perform work in andy state.
A registered contractor is registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation after fulfilling competency requirements in certain jurisdictions. This means the contractor can only perform work within the jurisdiction in which they are certified. Once you find a contractor, use the following tips to ensure you've selected the right person or company.
When hiring a contractor, homeowners are encouraged to check validity of insurance (Workman's Compensation or other), bonding, licenses and other credentials. Check out references provided; ask about recently completed projects similar to your own. Get project owner names and contact information and then check those out, as well.
Questions to ask when contacting references include:
If appropriate, you might want to ask whether or not you could stop by the person's home to see the completed job.
Other resources to use in determining whether or not to hire a contractor include:
By contacting either of these two agencies you can discover whether the contractor has been convicted or found guilty of any crime in any jurisdiction which relates to contracting, used false names or documentation for obtaining contractual work, ever abandoned a job, or been found negligent - resulting in danger to life or property.
You can also find out if the contractor has ever committed mismanagement or misconduct while working; causing financial harm to the homeowner. Or, failed to obtain necessary local building permits or inspections for a project, falsely indicated the work is bonded and that payment has been made for all subcontractor work and materials, etc., or committed fraud or deceit in the practice of contracting.
As with any other type service provider - whether licensed or not - some contractors may not operate within the law.
The following should serve as red flags that the contractor might be less than reputable; certainly, less professional and reliable than what you might desire.
Avoid hiring a contractor who:
Some states limit the amount of money contractors can request as down payment. Determine whether or not this is the case in your area by contacting the appropriate consumer agency.
Depending upon the type of project you are planning, your first step in hiring the right contractor is to understand the difference between the various service providers and specific areas of expertise offered:
Architects - design homes, additions, and
Design / Build Contractors - handle all
Designers - have expertise in certain areas of home remodeling and décor; such as kitchens, bathrooms,
General Contractors - manage all aspects of a project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining materials and building permits, and scheduling inspections. They
Specialty Contractors - install particular
While most plumbing, HVAC, electrical, etc. contractors must be licensed, not all states require that contractors and specialty contractors be licensed. In addition, local level requirements may vary from state to state.
Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency about licensing requirements in your area to find out whether the type contractor you need for your project needs to be licensed. When checking a contractor's license, make sure it is current.
Finally, make sure the contractor you hire is adequately insured; take time to check out the policy information to ensure coverage is up-to-date.
Checking out a service provider's credentials and references before making a hiring decision is basic to helping to insure the contractor you hire is the right one for you. It also helps to protect your investment by making sure contractor credentials are up-to-date, and that the project will be a success.
One basic requirement every contractor with employees should meet is the provision of Workers' Compensation; a type medical insurance also known as "workers' comp." Any sub-contractor hired by the contractor should also be covered.
If the contractor is uninsured and/or has uninsured employees don't even consider hiring them. Otherwise, you could be sued and held monetarily responsible for worker's injuries sustained while on your property. A fate more than one project owner has been forced to deal with, simply because of a hasty hiring decision.
Workers' Compensation coverage releases the project owner from responsibility should a contractor, subcontractor, or contractor employee become injured while working on the project. Workers' Compensation, originally known as "workman's compensation," helps protect project owners from liability.
Before making a hiring decision, do the following:
Note: because of present day concern for victims of sexual harassment rights, some project owners (especially women) may feel a greater sense of security if the contract includes a clause. One pertaining to the level of professionalism expected from the contractor; stating that inappropriate behavior will be grounds for immediate termination of the project contract.
In addition to the above, taking the following precautions will help protect your home project investment and increase chances of success:
Also, let's say you accepted an estimate for project cost instead of a quote and the contractor produces a bill significantly higher than that of the estimate, and you did not pre-approve the increase. Check with your local consumer agency and ask whether or not there is a limit in the amount a bill can exceed the estimate provided
One way to avoid this type surprise altogether is to request a quote instead of an estimate. Estimates are subject to change, whereas a quote is more or less a set price. Quote not only price for the entire project in the contract, but itemize costs for labor, subcontractors, materials, etc., as well. Detailed provisions for acceptable price changes should also be outlined within the contract.
For instance, an unexpected price-hike in materials required, alternate materials required due to unavailability of first choice materials - which could lower or increase overall cost, and unforeseen, unavoidable delays for which the contractor is not at fault.
Contract requirements vary from state to state. One thing that is uniform regardless of where you live, however, is that verbal agreements are worthless should a dispute break out. Therefore, although a contract might not be required by law, never hire a contractor without first obtaining a contract that outlines the project in specific detail.
The contract should be signed by both parties; the project owner and the contractor. Or all parties involved if some aspects of the work will be sub-contracted, or services of another service provider professional (architect, designer, etc.) will be required.
The contract should protect the interests of both the homeowner and the service provider. It should include:
Most conflicts that arise between a project owner and contactor can be avoided, or at least easily resolved.
Proper communication, keeping tempers under control, allowing the other to express concepts of the situation without interruption, and exhibiting mutual respect can go a long way in handling disputes that arise. Most of which can be due to a misunderstanding on the part of one or both parties.
While it is important to deal with conflicts with the contractor as soon as they arise, avoid discussing differences of opinion in front of others. Set up a private meeting free from distractions where the two of you can discuss the situation alone.
You want to meet the contractor halfway, but remember. As long as building code, safety, and contract guidelines are met, you do have the final say. The contractor was hired by you to complete a project you are paying for, to your specifications; not the other way around.
If contract terms are not being met and discussing the situation doesn't bring desired results, send a letter outlining the problem and how you would like it resolved by certified mail to the contractor; request a return receipt. If the problem continues it may be time for outside intervention.
Try discussing the problem with a trusted family member or knowledgeable friend. If that doesn't help, you may want legal advice from an attorney. You also have the option to connect with various organizations and associations that offer consumer assistance in resolving disputes with service providers.
If after trying the above suggestions to handle a project owner/contractor dispute the problem continues, complaining to one or more of the following might be your best course of action.
Check to find out what state, or local consumer protection services are available in your area. Also check to see if there is a dispute resolution program available. And finally, visit www.nahb.org to discover whether or not your area has a Local Builders Association (LBA) that can lend assistance.
Also consider the following resources:
Sexual harassment is no longer considered just a woman's problem. Men, too, are harassed sexually; although not as frequently as women.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination no one should be subjected to. It comes in the form of unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, sexual jokes, innuendos or taunting about a person's body, attire, etc., leering and similar gestures, unnecessary physical contact, etc. This violates one's "space," creating an uncomfortable work environment. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
Workplace sexual harassment violates Title VII of the US Civil. When a contractor is hired for residential construction and remodeling purposes, the home becomes a workplace, too.
If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment, the following may prove helpful:
If these suggestions fail to stop the offensive behavior, contact the authorities and file a formal complaint. If all else fails, file a lawsuit against the offender. Contact an attorney; or your states anti-discrimination agency.
You can research "sexual harassment" online. There are countless resources available that offer legal definitions, helpful resources, how to handle the situation, and how to file a formal complaint, etc.
TrustedPros expects high standards of excellence from service provider members when it comes to workmanship, professionalism, and reputable business practices. Our project-owner-to-contractor matchmaking services have helped countless homeowners connect with reliable contractors in their area with huge success.
This not only helps insure the project is a successful venture for the homeowner. It provides new employment opportunities for growing businesses and boosts the economy, as well. In addition, project owners save money; accomplished through competitive quotes as member contractors vie against the other to win that job.
Unfortunately, as with any other business worldwide, interacting with high volumes of people, it is possible for a contractor to behave less than professional. On the rare occasion when a project owner contacts TrustedPros with a complaint against a contractor member, it is taken seriously. And appropriate measures initiated (when deemed necessary.)
This guideline offers persons with project needs useful information on hiring the right contractor for the job. And serves as an aid to help persons victimized by sexual harassment locate helpful resources and take action; both in helping to avoid potential situations, as well as counter situations that have already happened.
The tips in this informational are more than suggestions; they represent noteworthy guidelines that can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right contractor for your project needs.
Chances of connecting with the wrong contractor and having to deal with something as unpleasant as sexual harassment are greatly reduced when the project owner takes the initiative. "Does their homework" and checks out all available resources before making a hiring decision. One based upon credentials, professionalism, and expertise - and not the lowest price quote.