What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor.
We all have reservations when it comes to hiring a contractor.Horror stories fill the internet and your neighbor has told you who not to hire and the troubles they have had.
Why does it seem to be so difficult to find a reliable honest company? The answer is, it’s not that hard. Here are some of the key points to look for when you’re hiring a contractor.
KNOW YOUR PROJECT
A common misconception consumers have when seeking a contractor, is that it’s better to have an all-inclusive business complete your work. If your framing contractor building your new sun porch or deck tells you he can also do plumbing and electrical, that is your sign you have hired a handy man and not a professional.
Almost all skilled trades require so much constant learning and specialty training, there is no time to pick up another. If a good plumber decides to become a good HVAC technician, he will surely spend so much time learning a new skill he will begin to become an average plumber on his way to becoming an average, unlicensed technician.
It is less than rare to find someone who is an accomplished master in multiple trades. Your safest bet on finding the best guy for the job, is to find someone who specializes in his or her trade.
GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
The days of being able to hide one’s reputation through moving around and changing company names is now a thing of the past. The use of Google or any reputable search engine will quickly expose any shortcomings inherent in almost any kind of business.
The fact that you might not find the business name you are looking for is somewhat a sign in itself. As technology quickly grows, the use of online marketing is no longer a want, but a need. If a company does not have a Google Business Listing, that is your first red flag.
Online profiles are free, simple and quick to get open and running. There is no reason for a reputable company wanting to get themselves out there not to have an online presence. Be sure to check your next potential hire to see if they have a Google Business Listing and if so, read through the reviews!
DUE DILIGENCE
As quickly as you can find a company’s website or Google Business listing, you can just as easily find their licenses, insurance and warranty information and hopefully read the company reviews.
All the information you could ask for should be right there at your fingertips. Some people prefer to call and hear it from the horse’s mouth, assuming the owner or someone knowledgeable answers the phone, but the proof is in the pudding.
WATCH FOR SCAMMERS
This is the subject that gives clients a sinking feeling when thinking about hiring a contractor.
What if they are a scam artist? How will I know?
What can I do if they trick me? While these are legitimate concerns, these low-level people are usually not that hard to pick up on when you know their tricks.
If someone asks you for more than 50% up front for any job, that is not a usual ask and you should be leery.
Look out for sob stories. Most of us have something we can complain about, or someone who has tricked us, but a lot of these people tend to blame anyone but themselves for their short comings and won’t be afraid to share multiple stories about how someone did them wrong.
This will usually transition into how it would be nice if you could pay 75% to 100% cash down before they start because they are down on their luck and it sure would be nice and helpful of you.Again, be weary of contractors who do not have a professional presentation, such as a Google Business Listing, website, or even business card. Hiring an amateur handyman instead of a licensed professional, usually won’t end well.
IN CONCLUSION
So, when you get ready to go looking for someone to complete a project for you in the future, here are a few tips to help you find the right people faster.
REMEMBER THESE TIPS
Knowledge: Know your project and exactly what you need done and what type of work it is.
Reputation: Get online and see if the company you are interested in has a presence or a reputation.
Selection: Google them, check their website, do your research. Make sure they are who they say they are and check their credentials.
Scammers: Look out for signs of someone after the quick buck. Most reputable companies have built such good reputations they do not need your project and will not pressure you for a sale.