4 Tips For Hiring Contractors

There has been a lot of press recently about bad contractors and, while there certainly are many bad contractors out there, you can take a few simple steps to identify and avoid them for your next project.

1. Verify that the contractor is licensed.
   Before agreeing to terms with a contractor, be sure to check with the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to make sure that they are licensed. Further, be sure that the contractor is authorized to use the license number they give you. Many bad contractors will use a license number registered to someone else. Don’t fall for this trick; verify, verify, verify
2. Ask For References/Check For Complaints
   When deciding on a contractor, ask them to provide a list of references to check so that you can talk to people they have worked with previously. It seems simple, but if you can talk to some of their clients about their work, you can get a good idea of whether they will be a right fit or not. The same principle holds true when checking the CCB for their complaint history. Company’s who have proven track record of resolving disputes amicably will generally do so in the future should the need arise.
3. Get Multiple Bids
   Always look at multiple contractors to see who is the best fit. Getting multiple bids will help you determine the best price, quality, and timeline for your project.
4. Always Use A Written Contract
   A good contract will define your agreement, cost, timeline, materials, liability, and payment terms. Using a contract protects both parties and helps you be clear about who is responsible for what.

These are a few simple ways to protect yourself against bad contractors. Of course, you can always call us. If we can’t help you, we often know someone who can and can refer you in the right direction.