Unless you’re building a home, chances are good that sometime after closing you’re going to need a contractor to fix or change something. Most homeowners know to check the company’s reviews on Google and other unbiased websites and to interview a few contractors for multiple bids no matter how big or small the project. However, there are three other things you should do before hiring a contractor that can save you money, stress or frustration.
Check Licensing and Insurance
Although not every contractor has to be licensed to do their job, many do need a license in order to pull a permit to perform the work. If the work you need completed requires some sort of licensing, check with the state where the license is active. Florida makes it easy through this link: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. If you hire an unlicensed contractor for a job and they can’t pull a permit or can’t get an inspection, you could end up spending much more than you planned.
As for insurance, good contractors have both workman’s compensation and liability insurance. Workman’s compensation protects you in the event an employee is hurt on the job. Liability insurance helps pay for damages to property inadvertently made by the contractor while on the job. Without these coverages, you could find yourself sued for damages or paying to fix their mistake.
Have a Written Quote and Contract
It may seem easy to do a handshake deal and get the work completed, however, it’s not the best choice from a legal standpoint. There is a difference between an estimate and a quote. A quote is the final price. An estimate is a guess as to the cost for the repair or work proposed but may vary upon completion. This is especially common in home repairs like roofing and water damage. A contract protects both parties. With a contract, you’ll have a written agreement regarding the work that’s to be done, a payment schedule, and the total cost. This is a necessary layer of protection.
See Their Past Work
Any time it’s possible to see a contractor’s work, either in person or in photos, you’ll have a better idea as to the quality of the work they perform. This is essential with home remodeling. Not only do you want to make sure that they do a good job, but you should also ask to see the styles they do and where they have expertise. Ask for references and don’t be hesitant to reach out. Talk to a homeowner who has already completed other projects and ask for pictures of their work.
If you’re considering buying a home or selling yours, Jason Duraj and his team at Future Home Realty can help. We also know of many quality contractors if the home you’re considering needs restoration or repair. Give us a call at (813) 992-7771 and let us know what we can do for you.
