Finding the right contractor to do your home improvement work can be challenging. But even after you’ve found one you’re comfortable with, you shouldn’t just give them a few simple instructions and trust things will be done properly, and in a reasonable amount of time. Even the smallest of home repair projects can lead to problems for the homeowner if you’re not aware of some of the potential pitfalls when hiring a contractor.
Here are ten common mistakes that homeowners make and ways to avoid them for your next home improvement project:
1. Not knowing what you want can lead to a mess. If you don’t know what you want, you might not like what you get. Also, if you change your mind and change the job halfway through, the contract – and price – have changed (Hint: it won’t get cheaper). Know clearly what you would like done before the work begins.
2. Not getting everything in writing. You don’t want to hear, “I didn’t say I was going to include the gutters.” Be as specific as possible when drawing up the contract. There are no unimportant details.
3. Not having dates in the contract. Did you want it finished this year? You better have it in the contract. Try to include deadlines for the starting date and completion date of the project. Saying you would like it done “in a reasonable amount of time” or not specifying a date at all can leave you hanging for weeks or even months.
4. Paying too much up front. A deposit may be a reasonable request when the contract is signed, and money for materials is needed prior to the start date. Never pay in full before the job is finished. This is a big no-no! In fact, if a contractor would even suggest such a thing, I would strongly suggest looking at other contractors for the job.
5. Hiring unlicensed and uninsured contractors. Actually, this can be okay if the job is small and you know what you are doing (and he does also). The license and insurance doesn’t mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing that license, and insurance will protect you from some potential problems. But be aware that some of the best contractors out there, especially for smaller jobs, aren’t licensed, insured, or bonded. If the job is pretty small and you can get some concrete work references, you should be just fine either way. But for large projects, insist on a contractor that is licensed and insured.
6. Hiring the first one you talk to. Ask friends who had work done, or the owner of a hardware store. Find a recommendation based on jobs similar to yours. Get at least three estimates for medium to large jobs. You may love the first contractor that comes for an estimate, but you’ll be surprised at how many good ideas and insights you’ll get from speaking with several different contractors. Everyone has different ideas, opinions, and ways of doing things. Get a variety of ideas and prices before committing.
7. Thinking there will be no problems. Weather delays, employees quitting, and more can happen to contractors. Having problems is okay, but it’s not okay if the contractor can’t work out the issues to your satisfaction.
8. Expecting neatness. Believe it or not, it is sometimes efficient to leave things laying where they’ll next be used. There will be messes, so prepare accordingly. Cover things if it will be a dusty job, for example. Also, be clear in the contract that the jobsite will be cleaned up at the end of the job. Every good contractor knows that cleanup is part of the job, but make sure it’s in the contract.
9. Not having penalties in the contract. This is important on large jobs. It’s one thing to say “Work to be completed by May 2nd,” but better to add, “$100 per day to be deducted from the contract price for each day the job is unfinished beyond May 2nd.” That’s what I call a motivational clause!
10. Thinking contracts will prevent problems. They help, but unreasonable people on either side of a contract can ignore them, or use “literal readings” to make things even worse. Find someone you can work with, and keep your eyes open.
Tags: Choosing The Right Contractor, Mistakes Choosing A Contractor