10 Tips for Choosing a Reliable Contractor
You've done your homework, and you're ready to get started on that next big project. Now it's time to call the contractor. Here are a few tips from Tennessee Home Craft & Plumbing, that will help you find a reputable, reliable handyman to perform the work:
- Insist that contractors provide written estimates on company letterhead.
- Ask contractors to provide written guarantees.
- Find someone else if a contractor insists on cash payment. Inability to cash checks usually means they don't have a bank account. If the banks don't trust them, why should you?
- Are the contractor's licenses and registrations valid?
- Is the person doing the work licensed bonded and insured, or is it an under qualified sub contractor?
- Did the contractor offer you a legitimate business card?
- Ask for proof of third-party property and injury insurance.
- Are the contractor and any related trades persons bonded? Check to see if the contractor is registered with the Better Business Bureau.
- How long has the contractor been in business and can he/she provide references from previous customers?
- Is your prospective contractor drug and alcohol free? Your home should be treated with the utmost respect. Don't let people with bad judgment into your home to possibly endanger you and your family. A craftsman with a sober or drug free lifestyle is more likely to do higher quality work than that of a contractor that will take off early to get to the bar. You would be surprised how often this kind of stuff happens. Don't let it happens to you.
