Are you thinking about making some renovations to your home? One of the first things you should do is consider hiring a contractor. A contractor will be the one who oversees the project to make sure your renovations are completed correctly. The contractor will guide you through the process, make sure you have the materials and labor you need to complete the project, and ensure the project is completed timely and up to your expectations.
Do your own research before you begin. Decide on exactly what you want done and what your budget will be. Try to find out what similar projects in your area are costing and who has completed them. Talk with as many people as you can who have completed similar projects. Get recommendations from people you know, online searches, and inquiring at your local hardware stores and local building inspectors. While it is helpful to learn about your project to know what to expect, understand a contractor may suggest alternatives and will be able to point out issues that need to be dealt with to complete your project.
Once you have a list of names, contact each over the phone to ask some general questions to see if they will even consider your project. Some questions to consider asking include: Have they completed projects like yours? How long have they been in business? Can they give a projected timeline? Do they have references they can provide you?
Once you have some references, contact those who have recently had work done and others who have had their projects completed a while ago. Find out how the contractor did, how well their work has held up and what kind of customer service they provided. Be wary of contractors who do not or cannot provide you with references.
After you complete your research and your initial phone contact, try to narrow down your choices to about four or five contractors to then meet in person for a more detailed discussion. Do not feel pressured into making a hasty decision. During this time, you will want to find out if they are properly licensed and insured, including a contractor license, general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. Find out if they provide written lien waivers, if they are responsible for all the appropriate permits required for your project, and if they provide warranties or guarantees. Be sure to discuss your goals and expectations for the project, your projected budget, and the method of communication to be used.
One more item you will want to address prior to deciding or signing a contract is payment options. Be sure to determine a schedule for payments. Do not pay in full upfront, and you should not pay in cash. Instead, write a check made out to a company name or use a credit card. Never make the final payment until the project is complete and it has been fully inspected. You should always get a receipt for any payment and one for paid in full when everything is done.
Your final step will be to get everything in writing. Be sure everything is detailed and clear in the contract. Include contact information and method of communication, payment schedule, licensing and insurance, waivers, project timeline, work to be done, materials and warranty or guarantee information. It should also say who is responsible for permits and clean up. Anything you have discussed or agreed upon should be included in the written contract. Be sure you understand and agree with everything before signing. Be sure to keep all of you records for future reference, including your signed contract once the project has been completed. If questions or issues arise once the project has been completed, you will have all the information you need to refer to.
Remember, this is your home. Whoever you decide to hire will have access to your home. You want to make sure you have done your due diligence and hire someone you feel you can trust and rely on to follow through with your plans the way you envisioned them. Take the time to ask the right questions to ensure you choose the right contractor to help you avoid a chaotic renovation. 
Maxwell White
Home & Yard Magazine
