Selecting a home improvement professional and hiring one to work on your home, office or building requires a lot of preparation and consideration before starting the job. What you have to keep in mind in the process is that you should not hire the first contractor you find – nor should you hire the one that gives you the lowest bid. After all, would you select the first lawyer listed in the phone book or doctor that gives you lowest bid? You need to do your research not just for the right professional but also for what it is you want done.
To research a professional consider first-hand testimonials by asking friends, neighbors and co-workers. Check online too and look into the local organizations such as Just SCV’s Best to learn more about them. Narrow it down to those who have positive testimonials and comments said about them. You also want to make sure that they are fully licensed and bonded. You might want to check with Home Inspectors and the Better Business Bureau. Once you narrow down your search to three or four, ask them to come and evaluate your home. This is where the other area of your preparation comes in. Before inviting them, you want to know exactly what it is that you want done – from the types of materials, styles and final result. This way you can tell each of them exactly what it is you want and they can tell you exactly how they will complete your project. By being prepared this way – you will be able to get a first hand idea about each of them – what they know and how familiar they are with the materials you want to use and how knowledgeable they are in doing the job. You will be able to compare each of them and get a good idea of which one sounded more professional and knowledgeable. Next, make sure that you get estimates from them in writing and be sure to ask questions about anything you don’t understand or want added. Finally, when you have selected one of them, be sure that they give you a contract that both of you sign before the job begins. Make sure that everything you want is clearly listed and that there are costs attributed to each item. Make sure the material brands are listed and make sure that there is a time frame given from when they will start the job and when it will be completed.
For more information, visit our web site at www.justscvbest.com or see our home improvement guide in the back glossy pages.