Here's How:
Collect as many referrals and recommendations as you can from friends, co-workers, neighbors and the folks at the local lumberyard. The best contractors often keep busy not by advertising but by finding work through "word of mouth" referrals and repeat customers.
Contact all of the referrals who interest you. Keep in mind that good contractors often schedule work well in advance, so you may have to call several to find someone available when you need them. You probably will find yourself leaving a lot of messages on answering machines at this point. Those who don't return your call within a day or two should probably be eliminated from consideration. One sign of a good contractor is that he or she is accessible.
Conduct a thorough interview with each of your prospective contractors. Find out how long they have been in business, what kinds of projects they specialize in and when they might be available for your project. Pay attention to the questions they ask you and how interested they seem in helping you realize your vision. Ask if they have done projects similar to yours and, if so, if they can share photos of the finished work. Make sure they are insured for damage, liability and worker's compensation. Finally, ask for the names of several recent clients.
Check the references you've collected from your interviews. Find out if the contractor stuck to the promised budget and schedule. Were the homeowners happy with the work? Would they hire this person again? Also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor and, if so, how they were resolved.
Ask for bids or estimates from three or four contractors you feel comfortable with. Bids should include estimated costs of materials and labor, a schedule and any other fees. Make sure that each bid offers details on handling change orders and penalties the contractor will incur if the work falls behind schedule. Be suspicious of any contractor who offers to do the same work as others for considerably less money.
Small remodeling projects typically don't require a formal contract, but something as big and expensive as a new garage should be put into a formal document. The contract should spell out all details of the project. Make sure you understand it thoroughly before signing, and don't be afraid to negotiate the best possible terms for yourself.
Tips:
- Do your part. Good contractors show respect to their clients, but they also deserve respect.
- If you are happy with the finished project, let others know.
What You Need:
- A clear idea of your project
- Referrals
- Interviews
- References
- Negotiations
- Patience
