It’s not always easy to know who you can trust when it comes to contractors. You may have heard horror stories of people who hired a contractor and then had to deal with shoddy work or, even worse, damage done to their homes. So how can you be sure that the contractor you’re thinking of hiring is someone you can trust? Here are a few tips.
Red flags
Before hiring a contractor, it’s important to check their credentials. Contractors without valid licenses or insurance are a red flag. It’s also crucial to find out how long they have been in business. Most states have online resources for checking contractor licenses. You can also ask for references.
If a contractor asks for more than half of the project’s total price up front, be very suspicious. This contractor may want to run away. This is not a trustworthy contractor, and they will likely refuse to accept a lower percentage. They should also be able to accept various methods of payment, such as cash, credit card, or check. A good contractor will also provide you with a timeline for construction. This timeline will keep everyone organized throughout the process.
A desirable contractor should have a long list of satisfied customers. Checking with previous customers is the best way to learn more about the quality of work and professionalism. Ask for references from current and previous clients, home builders, and subcontractors. Make sure the references are up to date. If a contractor does not provide references for the work they’ve done, you should stay away from working with them.
Insurance
One of the most important steps in hiring a contractor is to ensure that he or she has a valid license and insurance. This will help protect you from liability if something goes wrong on your property. Many states require contractors to display their license numbers prominently on their websites, but you can also ask to see a copy of their insurance certificate. It should list the name of the insurance company and what kind of coverage the contractor has.
Always look for contractors with a current business address and phone number. If a contractor does not have an office, it may be difficult to find them once you’ve paid your bill. Ask to see their insurance certificate to ensure they’re a legitimate business.
Checking the contractor’s insurance is important to protect yourself since it covers any injuries or damage to other people’s property. Moreover, the BBB site allows customers to leave reviews about the contractor.
Use a people finder
Chances are the contractor has some online presence. You can use a people finder site to locate the contractor’s business address, email address, and phone number. This information can help you confirm that the contractor is legitimate.
Additionally, the sites will often find information on the contractor that you can’t get with just a Google search. This can be vital in determining whether or not to trust the contractor. For example, a site like BeenVerified will show you if there are any court records on the contractor.
Bond
One way to determine if a contractor is trustworthy is to check their bond. A surety bond is a contract between a contractor and a surety bond company. If the contractor does not uphold his or her obligations under the bond, a third party can file a claim against the bond. A surety bond company works to ensure that contractors follow the conditions of a bond contract.
A payment bond will guarantee that a contractor will pay subcontractors and material suppliers. This is especially important if the contractor is working on public property. In addition, a payment bond will also ensure that the contractor completes the project. In the event of a dispute, the bonding company will make sure the contractor completes the project, paying off any material or labor.
To check a contractor’s bond, you can ask the contractor to provide you with a copy of their insurance policy or the contractor’s surety bond. If a contractor refuses to provide you with these documents, you should be wary of their business practices. Moreover, you can request the contractor’s license or bond status from the project owner or the general contractor.
It’s best to ask these questions at the start of the job. In case of a dispute, you can also contact the state licensing board. The board will investigate the matter and revoke the contractor’s license if the contractor does not meet all the requirements.
Experience
When it comes to hiring a contractor, it is important to ask for references and look for good reviews. If the contractor does not have any references, you should find another contractor. Also, check out their website to see if they have a portfolio. Online reviews can be skewed because some disgruntled clients may post bad reviews.
In addition, customer reviews can be biased depending on your relationship with the contractor or the size of your project. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to find customer reviews.
You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been complaints filed against the contractor. A contractor that has been accredited by the BBB is likely to be reliable. Accredited businesses adhere to standards, including building trust, being transparent, and respecting privacy. You can also ask a contractor’s past customers for references.
Before you hire a contractor, think about the specific needs of your project. Make sure the contractor has worked on similar projects before and is familiar with the materials you need. You should also ask for photos of their work. A reputable contractor will have no problem sharing images of previous projects.
Finally
When hiring a contractor, it is important to do your research and ask for references. Checking a contractor’s bond, insurance policy, and license are also good measure of trustworthiness. Additionally, looking at their online reviews and portfolio can give you an into their work ethic and experience. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of hiring an untrustworthy contractor.
