The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Contractor: What Every Homeowner Should Know

You’re ready to tackle that home improvement project. Whether you’re replacing windows, adding a screen room, or installing a carport, the first step to ensure you love the result is hiring a general contractor you can trust.

How can you be sure that you’re choosing the right contractor for your home renovation? Here are five things to do before signing a contract.

Ask for Recommendations.

Before signing a contract or putting down a deposit, ask your friends and neighbors for contractor recommendations. You’ll get an idea of how well the work was done and what the repair or installation process was from someone you trust.

Check if the contractor is licensed and insured.

Working with a licensed contractor has many benefits and helps keep you safe from scams. When a contractor is licensed, it means they have passed state exams, have at least the basic skills to complete the job, and are familiar with local code requirements. To verify a contractor’s license and view any complaints lodged against them, visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations.

You can also ask for proof of insurance and confirm their policy is current with the insurer. By ensuring that a general contractor is insured, you're helping to protect yourself from potential liability during the project.

Interview candidates.

Your home renovation project is a job, so it makes sense to treat hiring a contractor similarly to any other job. Instead of asking questions about where they see themselves in five or ten years, some helpful questions to ask could be:

• How long have you been in business?
• Can you provide references from past customers?
• Have you worked on similar projects?
  

A reputable contractor will be able to answer these questions with ease. You can also start to get a sense of what it will be like to work with this contractor throughout the project.

Read the contract.

This may seem like a tip that should go without saying, but some less professional home renovation contractors will use high-pressure sales tactics to rush a decision. A trustworthy contractor will give you time to read the entire contract and won’t ask for full payment upfront.

Look out for warning signs.

Trust your gut. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services warns homeowners of home repair scams where dishonest home improvement contractors take deposits before the work starts or before the job is finished. Some contractor red flags are when the individual solicits door-to-door, arrives in unmarked vehicles, or says they are not local but are in the area to help with disaster relief.

Conner Exteriors & More is a licensed and insured home improvement contractor you can count on for your home renovation project. We’ll meet to understand your needs, give you a free quote and complete your project the right way so you can enjoy your home. Contact us today for a free estimate!