Powerful Ideas For Finding The Best Local Contractor In Fort Collins CO
Powerful Ideas For Finding The Best Local Contractor In Fort Collins CO
Blog Article
Tips When You Find It Hard to Look For a Good Local Contractor
Finding a good local contractor can be difficult. Word-of-mouth referrals are a great place to start, but you should also do your research.
Checking credentials is crucial, says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, as is asking for references and visiting their projects. Ask them for a bid or estimate and look for red flags like hidden fees.
Ask Around
It's always wise to get recommendations from friends and family. However, if you aren't getting any good leads, try asking around at local hardware stores, real estate offices, and even kitchen and bath showrooms for contractor recommendations.
Local contractors are the best choice because they'll be familiar with building codes in your area. They will also be easier to reach in the event of any problems.
When you ask for a list of references, make sure to call them to find out about the quality of the work and customer service. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any complaints. You should also avoid any contractors that request a large down payment or demand to be paid in cash.
Do Your Research
A local contractor is more likely to have a strong reputation and will be familiar with building codes in your area. Ask friends, family members and neighbors for recommendations and be sure to check out their work by visiting previous projects.
You can also visit local home improvement or hardware stores to see if they have any recommendations. Employees at these stores can provide you with an insider’s view of which contractors buy quality materials, have a good work ethic and are reliable.
You can also ask if they have ever been sued and if so, for what reason. Keep in mind that a lawsuit is not necessarily a deal breaker, but it should raise some red flags. A contractor who has been sued frequently may be cutting corners or desperate for work.
Check References
Asking for references may feel awkward, but a good contractor shouldn’t be hesitant to provide you with some. It’s also important to request them from a variety of neighborhoods. This will help you get a more accurate idea of the quality of their work in different environments.
Ideally, you want to ask three to five references. When you do, be sure to ask questions about the overall experience and their satisfaction with the project. You should also find out if they would rehire the contractor and if so, why. If they wouldn’t, that is a big red flag and shouldn’t be ignored. You can also check with material suppliers to see how long they have been working with the contractor. This will give you a clue as to how financially sound they are.
Ask for a Written Contract
A written contract is an essential part of any business transaction. It can protect you from liability and set clear expectations. It also provides you with documentation of negotiated terms and payments. You should always review and negotiate any contract before signing it. A lawyer, a union or an industry association may be able to assist you with this process.
Once you have chosen a contractor and negotiated an estimate, get it in writing. This will minimize miscommunication and help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road. Make sure that any additional work or changes to the project are documented in writing as well. If they are not, you may have difficulty tracking down the person later if there is a problem. Also, never give a contractor a cash deposit without a signed contract.
Make Sure They Have Insurance
It's important to make sure the contractor you hire has insurance. If something goes wrong and they don’t have insurance, you could be on the hook for the costs.
Ask your friends, family members, and neighbors Fort Collins corporate events for recommendations for contractors they’ve used in the past. Real estate agents and local hardware store employees may also be able to provide recommendations.
When interviewing contractors, make sure to ask for proof of their insurance and bonding. It's best to get a copy of their certificate and call the insurance company to verify the information. Be sure the policy includes worker’s compensation and property damage, as well as “products and completed operations.” This ensures that you're covered if something goes wrong with your project. It's also important to check that the policy expiration date is current.