If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you most likely will need to hire a general contractor to help get the job done. But how do you know which contractor to choose? Here are a couple of tips to help you choose the right general contractor.
Who Do You Need, Handyman or Contractor?
Depending on your home-renovation project, you will need to determine if you need a handyman or a contractor. If you have just a small job to do, something that would cost around $300, you might want to call a handyman. However, if the project you have requires plumbing, painting, electrical work or masonry, you might want to call a general contractor. While a contractor is licensed, a handyman might not be licensed, though could still have the necessary skills to do the job.
Ask for Referrals
When you are hiring a general contractor, you need to ask for referrals. Your home improvement store is a good place to ask for contractors. You don’t want to hire a contractor that no one has heard about. Rather, hire a contractor who has worked on other home-renovation projects in the area. You might also want to ask a home inspector for recommendations.
Phone the Contractor
It is good to first phone and speak to the contractor. Ask what projects they have worked on in the past, those that are similar to your project. Ask if they accept cash or checks. Ask if the contractor is licensed and when the license expires. Once you feel comfortable speaking to the contractor over the phone, you might want to set up a meeting with the contractor at your home or office. You should ask the contractor about previous clients and projects he worked for and ask to go and see the work he has done.
Daniel Hindman is a talented home builder who has worked on several home-renovation projects in the past.
Who Do You Need, Handyman or Contractor?
Depending on your home-renovation project, you will need to determine if you need a handyman or a contractor. If you have just a small job to do, something that would cost around $300, you might want to call a handyman. However, if the project you have requires plumbing, painting, electrical work or masonry, you might want to call a general contractor. While a contractor is licensed, a handyman might not be licensed, though could still have the necessary skills to do the job.
Ask for Referrals
When you are hiring a general contractor, you need to ask for referrals. Your home improvement store is a good place to ask for contractors. You don’t want to hire a contractor that no one has heard about. Rather, hire a contractor who has worked on other home-renovation projects in the area. You might also want to ask a home inspector for recommendations.
Phone the Contractor
It is good to first phone and speak to the contractor. Ask what projects they have worked on in the past, those that are similar to your project. Ask if they accept cash or checks. Ask if the contractor is licensed and when the license expires. Once you feel comfortable speaking to the contractor over the phone, you might want to set up a meeting with the contractor at your home or office. You should ask the contractor about previous clients and projects he worked for and ask to go and see the work he has done.
Daniel Hindman is a talented home builder who has worked on several home-renovation projects in the past.
