How to select a Good Contractor

The easiest, and one of the best ways to select a possible contractor, is to get references from friends, family or a co-worker you trust.

Once you have some names, meet with them, look for “chemistry” or rapport between you and them and observe their level of professionalism. Courtesy, respect, punctuality and the ability to communicate are some of the most important attributes a contractor can have next to their basic competency. Actually, no matter how good someone is, if they don’t click with you on these points, don’t hire them. Period.

Here’s a checklist of things to consider when selecting your contractor.
Let’s use ratings of “Best”, “Good”, “OK”, “Fair” and “Reject” to classify some of these items.

Getting Names of Possible Contractors:
• You have had good personal prior experience working with contractor [BEST]
• Reliable referral from direct experience of family or friends [GOOD]
• You know of the contractor’s reputation but have no direct experience [OK]
• You found them from a trade association or general advertising [FAIR]

State Contractor Licensing (they must provide the number if licensed):
• Licensed; has never had a complaint filed or had disciplinary action taken [BEST]
• Licensed; has no prior complaints filed for at least 3 or more years [FAIR]
• Licensed; current complaints or actions against them within the past 3 years [REJECT]
• Contractor has no license [REJECT]

Insurance (ask to see their certificates):
• Workman’s Compensation and General Liability [BEST]
• General Liability only (bodily injury and property damage) [GOOD]
• Contractor has no insurance [REJECT]

Business Longevity:
• In business more than 10 years with the same name [BEST]
• In business 5 or more years with the same name [GOOD]
• In business 1 to 5 years with the same name [OK]
• New business under 1 year [FAIR]

Stability and Permanence:
• Has a physical business office and address [BEST]
• Has only a Home office or answering service [FAIR]
• Cell phone contact only, no office [REJECT]

Reference Check (yes, you should check references)
• Positive prior current references from at least 5 customers [BEST]
• 1 to 4 positive references from past customers [FAIR]
• No real references or negative references provided [REJECT]

Experience
• Specializes in the work you want performed [BEST]
• Can perform the work you want but also does other types of work [OK]
• Little to no experience in the work you want performed [REJECT]

Scope and Price:

• Detailed description of the scope of work
• Assumptions (if any) are clear and accurate
• Contractor DID NOT offer discount to “sign up now”
• Contractor will Guarantee the work
• All verbal Contractor representations are in writing
• No more than 25% to 33% asked for up front
• Final payment not required until work is complete

THE HOME PROS OF NC, INC. is a company that goes above and beyond and does not hide anything, we are up front, honest, experienced, licensed, insured, owner operated, and won numerous awards from many industry associations.

THE HOME PROS OF, NC INC. are your number one choice in home remodeling and general contracting in Raleigh, Wake County, NC

Call our Office: 919-762-8543 or visit our website: www.THPofNC.com

The Home Pros of NC, Inc.

www.THPofNC.com

Top Five ways to spot a bad Contractor.

1. Contractor in question’s bid was far below all of the others. This is a sure sign that the contractor is either unfamiliar with the work in question, or has under bid on purpose because he intends to have cost over runs. Another play on this theme is if the contractor offers a great bargain in order to use your project as an example.
2. Contractor has questionable or no references and or no fixed business address. Always ask for references, if the contractor does good work, he will have many, many examples of this through his references. Any contractor that does not have a fixed business address could be a fly by night operation.
3. The contractor does not want to go through the formalities of signing a contract. When you are doing any major work, a contract that spells out what the scope of work is, and what the contractor’s responsibilities are. This is standard business practice and any person who does not want to follow that is suspect.
4. You get a bad feeling. Trust your gut feeling, the guy who seems like a sleazy sales man probably is. High pressure sales tactics such as “This price is only valid until I walk out of that door, you have to sign this right now…” are a very bad sign.
5. Contractor uses scary scenarios to get you to buy more expensive options or more extensive work than what you initially wanted. If problems are uncovered during a project, they should be obvious. Like a doctor, you can always get a second opinion.

The best way to find a good contractor is to ask your friends, family or neighbors. More often then not, they have used somebody with a good result. Be extremely wary of the guy who pulls up in front of your house out of the blue and tells you that you need a new roof (or something else). Best to tell that person to be on his way. Additionally, many locations require contractors to have licenses. If you live in one of those locations, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for a copy of the contractors license and insurance certificate.

If you feel that you have been ripped off, call the local authorities. Blatant theft, such as a contractor took your money and left town, should be reported to the police. Other situations may need to be handled through civil courts, The Better Business Bureau or other organizations.

Finally, if you have fired a contractor who you provided a key to access your home, change your locks as soon as possible.

Who are “The Home Pros”?

The Home Pros are Licensed and fully Insured General Contractors. We specialize in all phases of Remodeling, Additions, Basements, Attics, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Decks and much More! We serve Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Durham, Chapel Hill. The Home Pros; Your Neighborhood Home Improvement Company! Call Today 919-762-8543.