How To Hire a Contractor

Ingredients

• Recommendations
• Notes
• Referrals
• An interview

Steps

1. Get recommendations - Visit home improvement stores and lumber yards and ask for recommendations. Family, friends, and neighbors are also good resources. (19 sec. )
2. Conduct phone interviews and take notes - Derive a list of questions and topics. Conduct phone interviews with several contractors. Create a file with notes and information. (27 sec. )
3. Be specific about the work you want accomplished, including prep work and clean up. (36 sec. )
4. Meet with your favorite choices - Narrow your list to a few favorites and meet with them face to face. (39 sec. )
5. Ask for referrals - Ask for referrals from current and past projects. Visit the contractor’s current job site to view their work method. (44 sec. )
6. Validate the facts - Validate the contractors’ referrals, contractor license, and insurance coverage. Check with your state’s consumer protection agency and your local Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against them. (52 sec. )
7. Confirm payment terms - Agree with the contractor’s payment schedule – the percentages due up front, in process, and after the job is complete. (64 sec. )
8. Get a quote in writing - Get all estimates, timing, material, and labor quotes in writing with the contractors’ signature. (71 sec. )
9. Did you know? The most common home-improvement project is a bathroom remodel. (77 sec. )