A good Concrete Contractor Encino CA is hard to find.” This phrase can be heard in homes across the
country and today more than ever this statement rings true. I’ve operated a contractor
referral service for four years now, and that is the number one complaint I hear from home owners across the country. Believe it or not, there is hope. Reliable contractors
do exist; if that wasn’t the case I wouldn’t be in business. It is simply a matter of knowing where to find them and more importantly, how to screen them.
1. Finding the Right Referrals
For years, word of mouth has been the method of choice when looking for a contractor;many home-owners ask their friends and family for recommendations. But no two home-improvement projects are alike, and your friend’s contractor may not have the skills necessary to tackle your job. Trades people (painters, plumbers, carpenters) deal with contractors repeatedly, over a long period of time and on a variety of projects. They are, therefore, in a better position to offer a contractor referral. If a recommended contractor tells you that they’re too busy to take on your job, ask them to refer you to a colleague who may be suitable.
2. Previous Customer Testimonials
Taking a contractor’s word about previous work is a
recipe for trouble. When purchasing a car you test drive it & the same principal applies in this instance.Ask for the names & phone numbers of three to five customers who’ve had similar work completed by them in the past two years. Asking for specific references makes it more difficult for a contractor to handpick only their best clients. Call each reference and ask the following questions:
3. Check Your Contractor’s Credentials
Before checking to see if the contractor you would like to hire is adequately insured and licensed, you’ll need to contact your local city office to research what credentials are required for home-improvement contractors in your province. I also recommend that the contractor you hire have a minimum of $1 million in general liability insurance. Be sure to get a copy of their license and insurance/WSIB for your records.
4. Playing Match Maker
The success of a home renovation project, much like success in the world of dating, hinges on chemistry. Are you the type of person who likes to be involved in every decision, or do you prefer to leave your job “to the experts?” Believe it or not, your contractor’s personality can make or break the success of your project. Some contractors prefer not to be micro-managed, & others want the homeowner’s input on every aspect of the job. Be up front about how involved you’d like to be in the renovation process. And ask your contractor to tell you how comfortable they are with customer involvement. If your approaches aren’t compatible, it’s a good sign that they might not be the right person for the job.
