When hiring a contractor to work on your home improvements or remodeling projects, picking the right person is very important. Choosing the wrong person can cause delays, extra costs, and results you’re not happy with. But if you choose the right person, they will finish the job on time, stay within your budget, and give you the desired results. This blog will help you learn the key steps to finding and checking a home repair contractor or handyman before starting any work.
A constructed home with wooden framing and construction materials on-site, capturing the building process in progress.
Step 1: Define Your Project and Budget
Before you begin looking for a contractor, clearly outline your project and set a budget.
Write down the details of what you want to achieve, including specific materials or designs.
Set a realistic budget that includes a buffer for unexpected costs (10-15% extra is a good rule of thumb).
Prioritize your needs in case adjustments to the plan are necessary during the project.
When you know what you want, talking to contractors and comparing their prices for home improvement projects is simpler.
Step 2: Start Your Search
Finding a contractor involves research and recommendations:
Ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who have had similar work done.
Use online resources, such as:
Visit local home improvement stores and ask for recommendations from staff or posted contractor ads.
Make a list of at least three to five possible contractors. These could be for remodeling, small repair jobs, or more significant home improvement projects. You can then look into them more closely.
Step 3: Verify Credentials
A reputable contractor will have the necessary credentials to operate legally and safely. Check for:
Licensing: Ensure the home repair contractor is permitted to work where you live. The rules for this permission can be different depending on your state or town, so check what is needed for your job.
Insurance: Make sure the contractor has both liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance keeps your property safe, and workers' compensation helps their employees if they get hurt.
Certifications and affiliations: Membership in trade organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), can indicate professionalism and expertise.
Step 4: Check References and Reviews
Once you've verified a contractor's credentials, delve deeper into their reputation:
Request references from past clients and contact them to ask about their experiences.
Look for reviews on multiple platforms, including social media.
Ask to see a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours.
Questions to ask references include:
Was the contractor communicative and professional?
Did the project finish on time and within budget?
Were there any unexpected issues, and how were they handled?
Would you hire this contractor again?
Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes
Invite at least three contractors to provide detailed quotes for your project. A good quote will include:
A clear breakdown of costs (materials, labor, permits, etc.).
An estimated timeline for completion.
Payment terms and schedule.
Be careful with quotes much lower than others—they might mean the contractor is doing poor work or not calculating the costs correctly for your home improvements.
Step 6: Conduct an Interview
An interview is your chance to gauge a contractor's communication skills, professionalism, and compatibility. Some key questions to ask include:
How many similar projects have you completed?
What challenges do you foresee with this project?
How do you handle delays or unexpected issues?
Can you provide a written contract?
Trust your instincts—if a contractor seems dismissive, evasive, or unreliable during the interview, they may not be the right fit for your remodeling or home repair project.
Step 7: Review the Contract Carefully
Never start work without a signed contract that clearly outlines:
The scope of work, including materials and specifications.
The project timeline, including start and completion dates.
Payment schedule, tied to project milestones.
Warranty information for workmanship and materials.
A clause addressing how changes to the project will be handled.
Avoid contractors who refuse to provide a contract or insist on verbal agreements.
Step 8: Monitor Communication
Good communication is essential for a successful project. Once you’ve hired a contractor, make sure they:
Provide regular updates on progress.
Respond promptly to your questions or concerns.
Keep you informed about any changes or delays.
If communication breaks down, address it immediately to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if a contractor:
Demands full payment upfront.
Has no verifiable references or reviews.
Offers a deal that seems too good to be true.
Refuses to provide a detailed written estimate.
Pressures you to make a quick decision.
Trustworthy contractors understand that the vetting process takes time and will respect your due diligence.
Step 9: Start Small
If possible, start with a smaller project before committing to a larger one. This allows you to:
Evaluate the contractor’s workmanship and reliability.
Build trust and establish a working relationship.
Step 10: Protect Yourself
Even with the best preparation, disputes can arise. Protect yourself by:
Keeping copies of all contracts, receipts, and correspondence.
Documenting progress with photos or videos.
Communicating any concerns in writing.
Conclusion
Finding and checking a contractor for home repairs, remodeling, or handyperson services takes time and effort, but ensuring your home project goes well is essential. Following these steps can reduce risks, protect your money, and get the desired results. Remember, the right contractor isn’t just skilled—they should also be honest, easy to talk to and understand your ideas. Take the time to research, and you’ll end up with a successful project and less stress.
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