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Hiring a Reliable Contractor: What to Do For The Best Results
Replacing and repairing windows and doors is not something you can typically do yourself. However, hiring a contractor not only ensures that you are using the best materials and methods but that you are satisfied with the finished product.
Perhaps you’re not sure where to start looking or you’ve been disappointed by contractors in the past. How can you be sure that you’re working with someone dependable? Finding and working with a reliable contractor is important and it’s easier to do than you might think.
Contractor Hiring Tips
The idea that you should hire a good contractor is easy to grasp but the process of actually doing the hiring can seem daunting. Where should you start and what do you need to know?
The following key tips will help you make sure that the contractor you work with is reliable and that you’re happy with the outcome.
1. Have a Plan.
Having a plan is the most important part of hiring a contractor. You can’t know what you’re looking for if you don’t have a plan for what needs to be done. Think about the work the contractor will be doing for you right down to the smallest details so that you are able to discuss this during the initial meeting and make sure your visions are compatible.
2. Ask for Referrals .
After you have a plan in place, a great place to start is by asking friends, relatives or coworkers to refer you to contractors they have enjoyed working with. Typically speaking, most people trust the opinions of people closest to them, and these personalized experiences will give you a starting point of contractors to contact first.
3. Interview Multiple Contractors .
Three is the golden number when it comes to interviewing contractors. Even if you’re satisfied with the first contractor you meet, it’s recommended to interview at least three so that you can compare and contrast. You may recognize differences that you didn’t even know mattered to you. Remember, contractors specialize in different projects, so search for someone with a lot of experience working on your specific task. It’s also a good idea to ask for credentials. Check licenses, how many years they’ve been working, and be sure the contractor has proper permits for the work to be completed.
4. Discuss a Timeline .
One sign of a good contractor is a busy schedule. It’s important to discuss your timeline with them at the beginning so that you aren’t disappointed if you have to wait some time for your project to start and finish.
5. Agree on a Contract.
Once you decide on the contractor that’s right for you and your project, make sure you sign a detailed contract. The contract should explicitly state what is expected of your contractor, what work will be completed, what the financial compensation will be and any other details you and the contractor deem important.
6. Maintain Good Communication.
Throughout the period when a contractor is working for you, maintain frequent communication. This will ensure that all parties are on the same page and that any changes or updates to the job requirements are addressed as soon as possible.
7. Make the Final Payment When the Job is Complete.
Contractors are in such high demand that they will often move onto another job before they’re completely finished their current one. Even with the best intentions to come back and finish the small details, life often takes them in other places. To ensure you are completely satisfied with your project, do not make the final payment until the job is complete.
Have more questions about hiring a contractor or looking for some advice on your next project? Contact us at The Door Centre for assistance anytime or to request a free quote.
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