Selecting the best contractor for the task is an essential first step in the planning phase of your next home improvement project. Make sure you check the contractor’s quality of work beforehand, put your needs in writing, decide on the project’s scope, and find out if the contractor has the necessary insurance and licensing in case something goes wrong.

The following is a list of the top 10 things to think about while choosing a contractor:

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1. Obtain many quotes

Speak with many contractors and obtain written quotes from a minimum of three. When you receive various estimates, be sure you’re comparing like with like. Examine the building supplies, techniques, schedules, and other elements that could differ from contractor to contractor. Estimates that are too high or low should be avoided.

2. Whenever feasible, work with local, licensed contractors

Local contractors are more likely to be aware of local construction codes and are also simpler to get in touch with should issues arise throughout the project. Request the contractor’s physical, local address. Anyone who knocks on doors or won’t leave a contract overnight should be taken very seriously.

3. Examine their prior work

What is the prior performance of their work? Are they experts in the type of job you need done? Verify references’ comments on the caliber of their work, their products, and their customer support. Find out about their years of operation and professional reputation by contacting the Better Business Bureau. It is better if the contractor has more than five years of experience.

4. Take your time and come to a wise choice.

Obtain many bids before choosing. Avoid feeling compelled to make a choice right away, especially when it comes to signing a contract. When required to pay a sizable deposit beforehand, proceed with caution. Verify the tiny print in all contracts and estimates. Ask your neighbors, relatives, or friends whether they have had a positive experience working with an emergency services provider if you need emergency repairs done and don’t have time to properly vet potential contractors.

5. Verify their bonds and insurance

Verify the contractor’s bonding and insurance status. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor. This document should include the contractor’s policy number, name, and limitations. To confirm coverage and ensure the policy is still in effect, get in touch with the insurance provider directly. Dealing with a contractor who lacks the necessary insurance coverage is not advisable. You can be held accountable for mishaps that take place on your land if the contractor is not insured.

6. Put everything in writing.

Obtain a thorough contract before starting any work. Make sure the contract is well-written and straightforward, and have everything documented in writing. If the project will cost a significant amount of money, think about having a lawyer analyze the proposed contract for your protection before you sign it. The agreement ought to contain:

a thorough breakdown of the tasks involved and the associated costs for each item.

A payment schedule, such as this one: 50% down, 30% after work is finished, and the remaining amount payable once repairs are finished.

The projected commencement and conclusion dates for more extensive projects.

Any applicable guarantees have to be included in the contract and ought to specify exactly what is guaranteed, who is in charge of the guarantee, and how long it lasts.

both parties’ signatures. Never sign a contract that has blank spaces in it.

Any modifications to the agreement must be signed by the parties. Request verification from the contractor on the acquisition of all relevant building permits. A signed contract’s cancellation policy should be followed if you desire to end it. To make sure you have documentation of the cancellation, a formal notice of the cancellation should be made via registered mail.

7. Recognize your cancellation rights

A “cooling off” time during which you can terminate the contract without incurring penalties may be required by federal law. To learn more about your rights, check with the Federal Trade Commission and your state’s legal system. During the cooling-off period, make sure you abide by all relevant regulations. If you decide to cancel, you should think about sending the cancellation notification via registered mail so you have a record of it.

8. Avoid making upfront payments

Paying for the full job before it’s finished is not advised. Make sure the checks are made out to the firm and not to the individual, and avoid paying with cash. It is customary to pay an upfront deposit equal to one-third of the expected expenditures for larger projects. You can save your deposited check as a receipt in this manner.

9. Be prepared for delays

There may be reasons for delays other than your contractor’s negligence. Even with the timeframe specified in your contract, uncontrollable factors like bad weather might make it impossible for the work to be completed on time. Be practical and ready to modify your plans if necessary.

10. Maintain a work dossier.

All of the supporting documentation for your contract should be kept in one folder. Any modification orders, blueprints, specifications, bills, invoices, canceled checks, insurance certificates, and any notes, letters, or communication with the contractor should all be included in your file.