Qualification is a vital aspect to consider before hiring a home repair service. Having someone trustworthy that is extensively experienced and reputable in their field of work makes all the difference.
But how do you evaluate the professional level of a particular contractor or know whether Good Life Construction Inc is the right contractor? By asking the right questions. Here is the ultimate list to get you started.
Are you licensed?
If you reside at a state, city, or county level, various laws will affect whether contractors should have licenses in their specialties. Therefore, when hiring contractors near you for various projects, they need to have the necessary certification to validate their expertise.
A licensed contractor must work on your project effectively, updating and constructing it as per legal standards. Therefore, always check their license number and confirm the expiration date.
Do they have photos of past similar projects?
Our technological advancement era allows constructors to take quality photos of their recent works and keep them as detailed records for future references. To have a feel of what they can do, ask for previous photos of similar projects as yours. And it’s worth it to also ask for contacts of their recent customers, especially when the project is significant and you are spending large amounts for the project.
Do you have 24/7 emergency services?
Although the question does not expose their expertise, it allows you to know whether the contractor can provide services at odd hours. Construction works like plumbing don’t necessarily emerge during normal working hours. And should your plumbing break down later in the night, they should be available for emergencies.
Do you have insurance?
It’s essential to have a financial background check on your contractor. Regardless of their specialty, contractors must have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This should be specific to their field of expertise. Ask them for their certificate of insurance and have a look at whether their insurance covers what you are paying them to do.
Do you have a timeline for completion?
Timelines give you a rough picture of when the project starts and ends. But keep in mind that various circumstances may extend this timeline, depending on the project. To see if your schedule is precise, ask whether they have other pending projects targeting their time. And if there will be necessary changes in your schedule, ask them how they’ll address the situation.
Ask their payment schedule
As per the Better Business Bureau, it’s irresponsible to pay the full contraction fees upfront. What’s more, a reputable contractor will not ask for this. That’s why it’s crucial to discuss payment terms beforehand to bypass potential future problems. Also, ask your contractor how much the project cost and when they expect full payment.
Will they have a dedicated team for your project?
Contracting companies often have multiple projects in their schedule. For this case, it’s essential to ask who will particularly be responsible for your project and if they’ll observe consistency till completion. The following are queries you should pose to your contractor before starting work: will similar faces work on my project until its completion? Will the business owner often check in on progress? Are the subcontractors working on your project qualified?
How will you handle additional chargers?
Contractors can accurately estimate pricing, whether they are repairing a roof or pricing for an entirely new one, thanks to technological advancements in this sector. But still, certain projects may encounter unpredictable improvements. On the other hand, circumstances may arise during the project, making it necessary to factor in extra costs on previous estimates. Regardless of the nature of such situations, your contractor should stick to your agreed-upon budget, only seeking your approval for necessary adjustments.
Are your services or materials warranted?
The majority of contractors provide warranties for their services. This guarantees the effectiveness and quality of materials and services they provide. But you should ask your contractor the specific services their warranty covers and how long it will stay effective. Also, let them present you with the manufacturer’s copies of warranties for materials they purchase.
If disagreements arise, how will we resolve them?
While every contractor often has the best intentions for every project, it’s unfortunate that mistakes and disagreements are still likely to arise. If your contractor elaborates on how they can tackle issues in case they arise, it boosts your trust in them, knowing they have the prowess to redo unsatisfactory results. Also, ask if they’ve made mistakes in previous projects and whether they provided satisfactory solutions.
How long have you worked as a contractor?
Contracting teams that have been in business for a long while have significantly advanced their systems in the field. They have experienced growing pain and tackled them successfully, and the majority have rested on controls that facilitate timely, budget-friendly, and quality operations. Before settling on a particular contractor, do in-depth research on multiple of them, inquiring for clarification in case red flags emerge.