How to Choose the Right Contractor
There’s no two ways about it: the importance of finding the right contractor cannot be understated.
With so many stories in the news about contractors swindling people, we thought we could share what we’ve learned over the years about some characteristics of great contractors, and how you can protect yourself by choosing a trustworthy one.
The wrong contractor can cost you huge amounts of money, time and worry. The right contractor can turn your dreams for your renovation or new build into reality when they practice clear communication, transparency and trust. A reputable contractor has plenty of experience estimating projects and can foresee issues that might arise. If unexpected issues do come up, which can easily happen due to the unpredictability of what can lurk under carpets or behind walls, like mould, asbestos, water damage or pests, the right contractor stays cool under pressure and takes care of issues quickly with the help of their many subcontracting partners. Your worries should be talked about and addressed, and you should never feel in the dark. You should be able to get on with your day knowing your project is in good hands.
Here are some tactics to ensure you’re making an informed and wise choice about a contractor, keeping in mind there are always variations in companies and job requirements. In some cases, meeting all of the points listed below might not be achievable for your price point, but they are valuable tools for you to have.
Put the word out that you’re looking for contractors: ask friends and colleagues, post on social media, and do some research online for companies with a great reputation.
Scour their website, which should tell you about their professionalism, experience, pride in their work and willingness to have their clients provide feedback. Look for a work portfolio to see if their projects align with your vision, client testimonials, any media exposure, and clear contact information. Look also for any associations or community-building initiatives they may be a part of, which will help you evaluate a company’s values.
Check LinkedIn to see if their employees have been with them a long time, which reflects on a company’s reliability and trustworthiness. Check their employees’ trainings, certifications, and levels of experience.
Once you contact them, they should get back to you quickly. Their emails and communications should be professional, branded, direct and from a person with some authority in the company. Trust your gut here: how do you feel about this person or company being in your space for an extended period of time?
Get multiple estimates for your job. While it’s tempting to go with the contractor offering a low price and big promises, the reason they might be noticeably lower than other companies could be lack of experience in estimating. Having multiple estimates will give you a reference point for price and professionalism. The estimate should be on professional corporate stationery with an itemized list of all work, the time it will take, and all materials required for the job. Ask for work and materials to be warrantied for at least a year and request longer warranties for products that should have a long lifespan, such as sealed window units. Make sure they provide technical details, cleaning instructions, etc. for the products and work they do so warranties won’t be invalidated.
Know which questions to ask about your estimate that can save you money. This shows companies you’re knowledgeable about the process, so they’ll be less likely to try and pull any fast ones on you!
Are there structural or engineering requirements that haven’t been addressed?
Do you have in-house architecture and design?
Do I need permits or insurance for this job, and what other tasks do I need to do before the job begins?
Do you do after-hours work? Will this change the price?
What contingency plans do you have in place for unforeseen issues, like uncovering asbestos, structural issues, water damage, pest damage or mould? Contractors should alert you immediately about unexpected issues so you can collaborate on a plan to address them.
Ask about their project management process. How often do they keep you informed about the progress? Who will be your one point of contact (ensure this person is involved from the beginning)? Will that person be readily available if you need them?
Ask for certifications, licensing and references. Your contractor should be able to readily present their employees’ certifications or experience, liability insurance, current Workers’ Compensation Board insurance, safety certifications, like COR and WHMIS, proof of bonding, ticket qualifications for machinery they operate, and employee background checks if required for a sensitive job site, like a hospital or school.
Request information on their safety procedures and protocols. Reputable contractors have extensive safety procedure documents and programs that protect their employees, your work site, and your wallet. And be sure to ask what their protocols are for COVID-19 safety and prevention.
Find out who their material suppliers and subtrade partners are and ensure they are high quality with a great reputation.
Payment terms can vary. Typically, they should ask for no more than a 15 percent to 25 percent down payment to start a project. A larger company may ask you to do a credit check to ensure they’ll be paid for their work, but if you choose not to do this, they might ask for the full amount up front. Read the contract payment details and work with them to come to an agreement on payment.
Once you’ve thoroughly vetted the contractors and their estimates, it’s time to make your decision. Don’t let them pressure you into moving forward before you’re comfortable! Be sure to make your choice confidently and without reservation. Then, let them handle the work and keep you in the loop so you can get on with your life.
Interesting in working together on your project?
Since 2009, we’ve worked closely with hundreds of clients to make their dreams come true — and we’d love to work with you, too! Please get in touch to get the conversation started today.
