Hiring Contractors: Know the Basics

Not every job in the home is something you want to tackle independently. Electrical, plumbing, painting and landscaping are just a few things you can hire out to contractors. How do you know whether you’re hiring someone who will be reliable? Here are some tips to help you hire the best contractors in your area.

Word of mouth

Word of mouth is still the most effective way to learn about contractors. Social media makes this even more straightforward. Talk to your friends and family or post on social media that you’re looking for a contractor, and you’ll get recommendations. People are always happy to share their experiences, good and bad.

Read reviews online

After making your short list, your next step should be additional online research. You want to look at reviews of local providers on places like Angi (formerly Angie’s List), Google and Facebook. Angi is especially helpful, as it lists actual customer reviews and maintains strict standards for listing on its site. Its use is free to consumers.

Verify insurance coverage

Now that you’ve chosen your contractor, you’ll need to verify it has all the right qualifications to complete your job. That includes licenses, certifications and insurance coverage. This will vary based on the kind of work the contractor is doing, so do your homework to know what you need.

Thoroughly review the contract

There is one last step when hiring a contractor. Always thoroughly review the contract. It’s not uncommon to give it a glance and sign without fully understanding all the details, but skipping this step can lead to significant problems in the future. If you do have any questions, ask for clarification before signing.

Are you ready to buy or sell your home? Contact me to learn more today.  Michele Kahl 410.790.8402…mkahl@cbmove.com