Are home improvement plans in your future? If so, finding a reputable, trustworthy, professional contractor should be at the top of your to-do list. Shopping for the right professional can be tricky, especially if this is the first time you have embarked on an improvement project. The key is finding someone who can do the work well, to your specifications, and for a reasonable price. Taking an organized, step-by-step approach to finding the right contractor is often the best way to choose one. Dirk Jordan of The Jordan Law Firm in Texas advises clients to make well-informed choices upfront so there are no legal issues with an unreputable contractor in the long run.
Begin your search by talking to friends, family, and co-worker. Chances are, a few of them have done home upgrades and they can tell you if they were happy or disappointed with their contractors. Even if the work they did was of a different nature, you at least have a starting point for your search. You can also browse online message boards and industry associations for suggestions.
Put together a short list of possibilities. Hopefully you will only need to formally interview and get estimate from three or four options before you find the right person, but begin this list with six to eight options. Call them and ask about their license and insurance, references, and availability. Make sure the contractor is properly bonded and insured so you are not held financially responsible for accidents. If a worker falls in your home and gets an injury, his employer should pay workman’s compensation and medical bills, not you. Also make sure they can do the work you need done. This may seem obvious, but there is no sense wasting your time if a contractor is unable to complete your task.
Once you have their references, call them! This is no time to be shy. These clients have given permission to the company to give out their information, so do not feel as if you are intruding. Ask specific questions to get a feel for the work they had done and why they were pleased with the service they received. Ask if they had a previous relationship with the contractor and how they chose this particular contractor.
Based on the answers you get, choose three or four to interview formally. You will go into additional detail about your project desires and they will submit a formal bid for the job. If any of the bids is significantly higher or lower than the others, be skeptical. You may not want to disqualify them based solely on this, but it should raise red flags. This is an important time to make sure each of the bids is all-inclusive so there are no surprises once the work begins.
As Jordan points out, there are emotional aspects when dealing with your home. So, while meeting with the contractors, take note of your gut feelings. While liking someone is no reason to automatically choose his services, you should feel comfortable having him in your home. The contractor should be confident in his ability to do the work, but he should not pressure you. Finally, ask each of the contractors how many jobs other than yours will be on their docket during your project. Be sure they do not overbook and that they have enough time to perform the work and keep your project on track.
Once your selection is made, it is time to prepare the contract. Consider having a professional like The Jordan Law Firm review the contract. It should include:
- The names and addresses of the client (you) and the service provider (the contractor)
- Details concerning who is responsible for project cleanup, how your home will be left at the end of each day, and how modifications to the original plans will be handled
- A list of materials and their manufacturer, which cannot be changed without your approval
- A release of lien clause so you are not held responsible for unpaid building materials
- Payments and due dates, preferably staggered so as work is completed, additional payments will come due or be placed into an escrow account
- Details finalizing the project and how disputes will be resolved
Choosing a contractor for home improvement projects can be stressful but making the right choice is imperative to your project being successful. If you have concerns, contact The Jordan Law Firm for assistance with your contract issues.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
