5 Amazing Tips for Hiring the Right Contractor or Handyman

Hiring the right contractor or handyman is crucial to avoid potential hassle, stress, and financial losses due to faulty work or legal disputes. It is important to pay close attention to the process of evaluating contractors, rather than simply going for the one with the lowest fee estimate. This does not mean that the most expensive contractor is always the best choice.

To make an informed decision, it is advisable to interview more than one contractor or handyman, check their professional and business licenses, and obtain multiple quotes to compare. Here are five key factors to consider when evaluating potential hires:

1- References

If you’re looking for a handyman or a contractor, don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for referrals. This is a reliable way to find someone you can trust. However, keep in mind that the scope of their project might be different from yours. For example, a kitchen remodeling project is different from a bathroom renovation. If you don’t have any referrals, don’t worry. You can still ask your potential hire for references. It doesn’t matter if the job is small; it’s always a good idea to reach out to previous clients and ask them about their experience.

2- Client reviews

Online reviews were always undoubtedly helpful, but remember that today, many websites use artificial intelligence to generate reviews; even when they are legitimate, online reviews may be old or not specific, and there is a chance that things have changed, or good workers are no longer working in the same company.

3- The designated team skills

Companies’ profiles often look great, but workers assigned to do your project may still need to gain the experience others in the company have! So, make sure you have the right team.
It is helpful to know that there are two types of labor in the construction business: skilled and unskilled. Make sure the kind of work matches their primary expertise. It can be painting, plumbing, carpentry, Drywall, flooring, or tiling. Request to see photos of their work.

4- Credentials and Licenses

It is commonly assumed that a handyman does not need to possess a legal license. However, this is only applicable to minor and light home improvement jobs such as fixing a part of a drywall, installing an appliance, or replacing a single door or window. In these cases, the work should not exceed the maximum project value set by the state, which is $500 in California.

On the other hand, if the job exceeds the maximum project value or involves a complex task, the contractor must possess a valid state license along with insurance, bonding, and workman’s compensation. Additionally, it is crucial for the contractor to maintain a clean record of consumer complaints, penalties, or fines

5- Make sure you are talking to the decision-maker

It is unfortunate but common for your point of contact to focus on selling you the services, sometimes promising you things the company is not able or unwilling to do. This is when you ensure your questions about the previous and the potential work details is with the person in charge is most beneficial.  

Having a written agreement, including a clear scope and fees is another important thing that helps get better results, check the links for more information about the subject:

4 Important things to agree on with your contractor

How to pay your handyman or contractor

How to negotiate your remodeling work timeline

How to define a scope of work?

Bathroom Remodeling Agreement Template

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