Your home is your safe place, so of course you want to hire the most trustworthy contractors to do work in or on your house! Here are X tips and red flags to help you determine if a contractor is reputable or not.
These are useful for any type of residential contractor: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, construction, mitigation, etc. They may also be used to help identify great service providers in other fields, such as mechanics.
We'll get the hardest part out of the way first. Keep in mind, one red flag may not sink the whole ship, but a handful is definitely a concern.
Red Flags for Contractors
If a building contractor claims they can do structural alterations without a permit, this is a major red flag.
If a contractor asks for you to buy the materials for your project and takes a large deposit from you, there is a high chance they will take your deposit and run.
If the contractor has many negative reviews and/or complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau, this could be a bad sign. Click here to look up the business you're researching.
Tips for Hiring a Great Contractor
Are they knowledgeable and experienced? Ask for photos and/or reviews of projects similar to yours.
Request references from happy customers.
Do they present themselves professionally? This includes their web presence (website, social media), materials, uniform, equipment, and vehicle. A small business may not have all of these things, but what they do have ought to inspire confidence.
Do they provide a positive customer experience from the beginning? If the person who comes to your door does not know who requested them or for what project, their communication skills probably won't miraculously improve once they start your job.
Are their sales materials clear and legal? Look for itemized estimates and professional contracts.
Overall, expect a contractor to set a positive, professional tone with their business practices, their presentation, and their materials. If you feel like something is off, trust that instinct and dig into these tips to make sure you feel confident in the decision you're making.
If there's any home improvement project you need help with, we are happy to provide all of the above, and to answer any questions you have. It's all about establishing trust, because we intent to be your Forever Contractor. You can call us at 719-439-0611.
Happy hiring!