Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors
Finding a quality home improvement contractor?
Help! Are there any tools to help locate a quality contractor? as a side note I live in the US
Public Comments
- You didn't say which country you are, but recommendations are usually the best way. Ask your friends and family if they have used a reputable contractor. If no one has, then you can try your local chamber of commerce (or federation of master builders) for registered contractors. Always check their references, history and prices first and always get more than two quotes. Once you have chosen your contractor, make sure you do not pay all the money up front. Get quotes (not estimates) and make sure he sticks to his contract with you. Don't take chances by phoning someone in the YP because there are a lot of cowboys who just want the money and don't guarantee their work. Make sure you get written guarantees and also that they have the correct liability insurance. That's the best suggestion I can make. Good luck.
- the best way is through friends, and family. If they don't have someone to recommend, then look around your neighborhood. Go to houses that are having work done and ask the homeowner what they think of their contractor. I know a lot of people get scared when they look for someone in this field. But you really shouldn't be. I've been in the industry for many yrs, and 99% of the contractors I know are honest, caring and only want to do a good job for you.
- There are lots of avenues. Ask your friends who they use and are they happy...check with www.bbb.org the better business bureau website and see if they have any info on a specific contractor. A great method is to call a local supply house; not Lowe's or Home Depot as they like to do their own installations; describe your project(s) and ask them for recommendations. They know who has been around, their reputations, and if they pay their bills on time. It can be a daunting task, but trust your gut when interviewing a contractor. All of us pretty much want to create a relationship that will have you calling us again and again.
