Have them Meet You at Your House<\/b><\/p>\n
There are two significant advantages in meeting a contractor in person. First, you get to meet them, it seems self evident, but there\u2019s really no substitute for a face-to-face meeting.\u00a0 Second, it allows them to take a look at where they\u2019ll actually be doing the work, which makes it easier to get a precise detailed estimate\u2026, which you should ALWAYS demand.<\/p>\n
Detail is the key element in this process. Get an estimate not only for the work to be done, but get in writing that the contractor has included any permitting that will be required for the work. A good contractor will get the permits required for your project in advance of starting the work as the FTC<\/a> points out.<\/p>\n Make sure the numbers in their Estimate Make Sense<\/b><\/p>\n You should always get multiple estimates according to This Old House<\/a>. You can compare them and see how different companies charge for their work. This Old House indicates that materials should be around 40% of the estimate. The profit margin should be around 15-20%, including overhead.\u00a0 Every company is different of course, but this is a good guideline.<\/p>\n You get an Actual Contract before any work starts<\/strong> Whatever you agree on with a contractor, ALWAYS get it in writing. You don\u2019t have any assurance that the work will get done as described or on the schedule<\/a> (as agreed) until you actually have a signed document. Good contractors won\u2019t need to be reminded about this\u2026 if it is not offered, you should be IMMEDIATELY concerned and this is a RED FLAG.<\/p>\n They Have Good References<\/b><\/p>\n Ask if they have references. \u00a0No reference.\u00a0 No work. \u00a0Make sure you ask for references from projects that were similar to your own. You can also check online for references or reviews of the business on YELP<\/span>!\u00a0 Angie\u2019s List, Home Advisor, Proch.com<\/span> etc. \u00a0Keep an eye out for ANY reviews that say that the work wasn\u2019t done on time, or the agreed upon prices changed or other issues that indicate that the contractor may be something less than professional or honest.<\/p>\n They Have a License<\/b><\/p>\n NEVER work with a contractor who doesn\u2019t have a valid license. Depending upon what type of contractor you\u2019re dealing with, you can call whichever agency handles licensing their trade in your local area and verify that their license is current.<\/p>\n They Have Insurance<\/b><\/p>\n NEVER work with a contractor who doesn\u2019t have insurance.\u00a0 Every contractor should have it. PERIOD.\u00a0 Even if they\u2019re very good at what they do, things can and often do go wrong and you have to make sure they\u2019re financially responsible if something does.<\/p>\n They Belong to a Trade Organization<\/b><\/p>\n Check for membership in a trade organization. Some do. Some don\u2019t.\u00a0 Sometimes, the trade organization will maintain a list online where you can check to see if the contractor is a current member in good standing.<\/p>\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/goecowater.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/tool-series-tape-measure-278474-m.jpg\")
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