As a homeowner, you know there are home situations that present themselves that may require replacement or repair. Moreso, perhaps you are considering a renovation or add-on to your existing home. Finding the right contractor is a big decision that can’t go unnoticed or undetected. Ultimately, you need to find someone you can trust to do the expected job at a price you can afford, so let’s talk about your defining your contractor specifications.
Before Hiring any Contractor, Follow Some Key Considerations
According to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) employing the right contractor for your home improvement job is extremely significant if you want to be satisfied at the end of your job.
Assess your specific home task- Evaluate your project and decide whether it is simple enough to warrant a general contractor or specific enough that you need to focus on someone more specialized in that particular area of expertise.
Explore local contractors- Go to your local homebuilders’ association and look for contractors in your area. This can give you a baseline of contractors who do work locally.
Attain references- Ask other homeowners who have had projects, repairs, renovations, or add-ons done and find out their experiences. This may help to narrow or broaden your potential contractors.
Attain multiple quotes– Any time you are getting a job done, make sure you get several quotes on the project. Then compare them for what is being done. Choosing the cheapest one may not always be your best bet. Make sure you feel good about the price along with the service, quality, reputation, and trust value. Making sure you hire the one that meets all your expectations is key.
Once you have chosen the contractor that you are most confident in completing your job, make sure you have the proper documentation in place before any work begins, to include the following:
- Contractor’s License
- Contract- A contract should include the work and labor being done, details of the work, expected time-frame, cost, building permits, and any payment expectations.
- Certificate of Insurance– Any legitimate contractor should be able to provide proof of insurance to include property damage, general liability, along with workers’ compensation.
- Comprehensive Itemized Quote (Materials, Labor)
Red Flags to Acknowledge
- A contractor who won’t or can’t provide proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance).
- Any contractor who requests a deposit or the full balance before any work has begun.
- The contract wording is unclear or elusive. Don’t sign any contract until you completely understand what is presented to you.
- Any contractor who shows up at your home uninvited is a red flag, especially after any severe weather circumstances that caused damages in your area.
- The contractor refuses to provide a written contract.
- A contractor offers to pay your insurance deductible.
If you need repairs, a home renovation, or add-on, contact us at Cameron Insurance Group and we can assist you with any questions or concerns. If the project you are planning adds to the value of your property, let us help you to reevaluate your insurance coverage needs. Having the right type of insurance protection is vital to us as well as you. Don’t wait! Call us today for all your New York homeowners needs.
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