Expert advice when hiring a contractor

For many people, hiring a contractor to come into your home to do a major renovation project can be a harrowing experience. There are hundreds of horror stories out there of shoddy workmanship, abandoned disasters, and escalating costs. You don’t want to be left holding the bag so here is some advice from the people at Service Alberta so that you can make sure your bases are covered.

Initially, don’t take the first offer that comes. The more people you talk to the more information you can use in deciding how the project should proceed. “Many people are not familiar with the standards or with the different options available on the job they want done,” says Service Alberta spokesperson Cheryl Tkalcic. “Get a detailed quote from at least three businesses. That way you’ll be able to compare what each contractor’s services are, what kinds of materials they’ll be using, and what their proposed time frame is for getting the job done.”

via GIPHY

Once you have a few options to choose from check their references. Ask around and check out the quality and workmanship they have done at other sites to see if it meets your standards. Contact the Better Business Bureau or the local homebuilder’s association or trade association. They may have a list of professional contractors in your area. Doing this work beforehand improves the odds that you'll be happy with the final result, since you've already seen the work the contractor's done at other sites.

Get the contract in writing. Make it as detailed as possible. “Ensure you know what is and isn’t covered in the contract,” says Tkalcic.”Not getting a detailed written estimate is the most common mistake people make and is often the cause of disputes.”

Verbal contracts are hard to prove so always get it in writing.

Following this advice will help prevent major headaches down the road.

Photo by: Security First Insurance Company