Hiring a Contractor Checklist
The essential Contractor Hiring Checklist is vital for your next home project. This comprehensive tool aids in selecting the ideal contractor, safeguarding you from potential stress and financial losses associated with choosing the wrong one.
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1
Get multiple quotes/estimates
Gather written quotes/estimates from at least three contractors to ensure a fair comparison. Pay attention to details such as materials, work methods, and timelines.
2
Prioritize Local, Licensed Contractors
Choose local contractors who hold valid local licenses and insurance coverage. This ensures easier resolution of future issues and compliance with local building codes.
3
Review Past Work
Evaluate the quality of their previous work by asking for 2-3 references. For significant projects exceeding $50,000 in payment, consider requesting the opportunity to visit a current project site to personally inspect their work.
4
Contracts
Ensure a comprehensive contract that outlines all project details, including a detailed description of the scope of work, payment schedule, start and completion dates, project address, names of both parties, and guarantees/warranty information. For substantial projects, it's advisable to consider legal review before finalizing the contract.
5
Cancellation
Familiarize yourself with federal and state/provincial laws regarding contract cancellations, especially concerning cooling-off periods. Send cancellation notices via registered mail and email, and then follow up with a phone call to ensure the business receives the notification.
6
Upfront Payments
To minimize risk, refrain from paying the entire project cost upfront. Instead, disburse payments in accordance with project milestones. Ensure payments are made to the registered company, not individuals. Request invoices prior to issuing payments for added transparency and accountability.
7
Prepare for Delays
Anticipate potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances like weather and unforeseen work. Stay flexible and adjust expectations accordingly.
8
Maintain Documentation
Keep a comprehensive job file containing all contracts, before and after pictures, communications, invoices and receipts for future reference.
9
Perform a web search
Conduct individual Google searches for the company name, phone number, address, and contractor's name. This thorough examination can reveal crucial details through reviews, images, various platforms, and discussions. Remember, a lack of online presence from a company could signal a major concern, so take your time before making any decisions.
10
Contractor Seal
Explore our platform to find local contractors who have been screened, verified, and who proudly display our Contractor Seal on their website. We highly recommend it. If your preferred contractor isn't registered with us, kindly share our platform with them. If they meet industry standards, they can register within 5 minutes and receive approval within 2 business days.