A homeowner’s most important job after the decision is made to go ahead with a project is to choose the “right” contractor to do the work. While logically the outcome of the job would seem to depend solely on the contractor chosen, the homeowner in an indirect manner and to a greater or lesser degree can influence the timing and outcome of the final product by choosing the right person and by displaying a positive attitude.
How does a homeowner go about choosing the right contractor for a professionally completed project? Listed below are ten points which may be of benefit.
(1) Start with an open mind and be prepared to meet some people who do not have all the answers right there and then. The product or service being offered by that individual may still be worth your while. Accept the fact that in the process of finding someone you will run into those who do not have a clue about what you want. The person you see may be just a salesperson representing the contracting firm and may be new not knowing anything or everything about a project such as yours. If your “gut feeling” tells you to still go ahead with that firm, then make an effort to get an interview with someone more knowledgeable from that firm.
(2) Ask the questions you need answers to without making the prospective contractor suspicious about your motives. Even better, be completely transparent about your reasons for the information you need to make a decision.
(3) Treat every prospective contractor with respect and trust especially in the beginning stages of the interview process. You can do that and still keep a “safe distance” choice wise to allow for someone else just in case things don’t work out with your current prospect.
(4) Describe in great detail what it is you are looking for and what benefits you hope to derive from the work to be done. By doing this you make it much easier for yourself and everyone else involved and your service provider will forever be grateful to you for being easy to work with. By doing this you may also create the shortest distance possible between your self and a job well done.
(5) Be prepared to meet with the same contractor a few times before your needs are clearly understood. Sometimes with over-work and stress the people you see may not be at their best the first time and may require another meeting or two to get things on the straight and narrow.
(6) Deal kindly with a fault or mistake even in the early stages of the game whether such be with the design, specifications, or in the information being given. This will set a good tone for any working relationship that may develop.
(7) Get everything in writing. Even if you are going to “pay cash” for your renovation project, specifications, terms, and procedures should be clearly spelled out for your benefit.
(8) Choose someone you are comfortable working with. The work you want done is very important and situations ought not to be made complex by working with an incorrigible service provider.
(9) Do get some references from happy people and maybe some not-so-happy people the contractor had done work for. Even the unhappy ones may provide valuable clues to the contractor’s modes of operation, and if possible see a project which has been completed by your prospective service provider.
(10) Where possible visit the premises of the contractor’s suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the quality of the materials to be used on your project. As much as lies in your power find out how reliable these principals are and how seriously they take their responsibilities.
These points may be of great help to you in your selection of a contractor.
Read article at HomeRenovationGuide.com