What to look for in a Contractor

-Reputation

 Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers etc. if they can refer you. A recommendation from a trusted friend or family member is a good sign that they do good work. Referrals are even better if they come from somebody in the trade industry. Ask the staff at the lumber yard or plumbing supply store if they know of any great contractors.

-Location

A tradesman who provides a local address on his card or stationary is less likely to pull one over on you. Having a permanent address shows that he is committed, responsible, and serious about his work. He doesn’t need to hide behind a PO Box and can be located easily.

-References

Check on their references, even if a friend referred them. With internet reviews becoming more popular, it’s easy to search for contractor reviews. Look for references and reviews on sites like Angie’s List, Guild Quality, and your local BBB chapter. Don’t be turned off if you see a few negative reviews, even the best contractors have dissatisfied clients sometimes. Because no contractor can satisfy every single client they’ve ever worked with, don’t be fooled by a contractor who has only positively glowing reviews and no complaints.

-Payment

Be wary of any contractor wanting to deal strictly in cash. He could be skipping out on licensing fees, insurances and an experienced work crew. You can check out your contractor’s finances with an online service called Contractor Check. You can find everything you need to know about your potential contractor for around $13.00.

-Communication

If your contractor won’t give you his cell phone number, it’s a sure sign that he’s going to be running the show on his schedule. If he can’t provide you with a cell phone number where he can be reached, then he probably doesn’t want to be reached. If this is the case, don’t bother looking into the matter any further and just move on.

-Responsibility

A good contractor will always apply for the building permit himself. A contractor who skips out on this step is not the kind you want to work with. It’s illegal to start large remodeling project without first obtaining a permit and then having the work professionally inspected. If you’re found renovating without a permit you could face some fines, halted construction or even demolition. If your contractor asks you to apply for the permit, it could mean that he doesn’t have the required licensure from the state. If this is the situation, you’ll have to work as the middleman between the contractor and the inspector.It’s not worth the headache; hire contractors who will take apply for the permits, and do it himself.

-Professionalism

Professionalism really comes into play when selecting a contractor. You will be working closely this man for the duration of your project. You should feel comfortable having him in your home and around your family. "

This article was written by Erie Construction. For more tips on home improvement, follow Erie Construction on Twitter.