By Sandra Guile
Better Business Bureau
It won’t be long before the leaves start to change colors and temperatures start to fall. If you’re a homeowner, there might be a few pesky projects left over from the summer that weren’t quite finished. At this point, you might be weighing the option of completing the project yourself or hiring a contractor.
When considering a contractor, think about what kind of project you’d like to do and why you’d want to hire someone. The job could range from something like a remodeling project, a roof replacement, a gutter installation to even something like an estimate for snow removal. If you’re worried about winter might be like, it’s not too early to start looking into companies that you might want to work with. BBB recommends taking the time to ask around before making a decision. Family, friends and co-workers are all great resources for recommendations on companies to consider. But don’t stop the search after you’ve talked to them.
Ideally, the best way to get started on a project is to research different contractors that would be most appropriate to do the work. Look at how long the company has been in business and make sure that the contractors are licensed, insured, and bonded in your state. Depending on the type of project you’re considering, investigate if you’re required to obtain any permits or if there is any reason to survey your property before work can begin. Requesting a permit or survey may be especially true for construction projects like room additions, decks, remodeling, or anything that physically changes the structure or design of the home. Check with your local township, city, or municipality to determine whether or not your project requires a survey or permit.
Next, map out a budget and take into account material costs, labor, warranties, and any unexpected problems. Then, check out contractors using bbb.org’s Accredited Business Directory. While on the website, select at least three businesses and request a quote for their services. Using the Request A Quote tool will put you in touch with a contractor. They’ll give you a better idea of how they operate, their perspective on the scope of the project, how much they would charge to do the work, and payment options they offer. When looking and comparing prices, it’s better to avoid simply going with the lowest bid. Rather than going with the least expensive option because it seems like a good deal, make sure you’re comparing the contractors bidding on the work. Side-by-side comparisons of details like materials, labor, and scope of work give you a better idea of the overall outcome of your potential project.
After comparing and contrasting the selected businesses, choose the company that best fits your needs. Then, start asking about the contract. Again, depending on the scope of work you’d like completed, details are critical. The contract is a legally binding document that outlines the entire project from start to finish. It should include things like what work the contractor will do, specific materials that will be used, how long it will take to complete the project, whether there are applicable warranties on workmanship or installation of appliances, and any specific details the homeowner would like to include.
Before signing anything, make sure to read everything that is presented to you. More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the different phases of the project but especially before important decisions. Remember, this is your project and you’ll be left with the finished product long after the contractor leaves. Find a trustworthy contractor on bbb.org.
Sandra Guile is the Community Outreach Specialist for BBB. She promotes BBB’s message of marketplace ethics through public speaking engagements, presentations, media relations, press releases, web content, and other written materials. Contact her at (513) 639-9126 or sguile@cincinnati.bbb.org. Your BBB is located at 1 East 4th Street Suite 600 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 – to reach the office, call (513) 421-3015.