5 tips for hiring a contractor
Keeping up your home’s aesthetics and functionality is important. However, finding a safe, reliable contractor to help you do this is just as vital when your family and home’s security could potentially be put at risk. So keep these precautions in mind when searching for and hiring a contractor:
- Decide what you want: Determine what should be done before you contact contractors, so you don’t get talked into work that you didn’t consider before.
- Get recommendations: Ask friends, family members and acquaintances for recommendations. Hardware stores and consumer-rating websites like Angie’s List are also good sources to check out. If any red flags come up, eliminate those contractors from your list. Compromising your home security isn’t worth saving a few bucks.
- Compare candidates: Check to see if contractors have experience in and are licensed to do the desired work. Also get estimates for what you want done.
- Get it in writing: Get a copy of everything you sign, and make sure it has all your stipulations and you understand it.
- Pay when the work is complete: Make sure all work is complete before you pay your final bill.
