4 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor

Hiring a contractor can be a daunting task. There are just so many options to consider that it can be hard to narrow things down. And unfortunately, making mistakes when hiring a contractor can be costly in terms of money and time. Here are the 4 most common mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor.

1) Not Verifying That Your Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Not verifying that your contractor is licensed and insured is a mistake you want to avoid when hiring a contractor. It is important to do your research and verify that the contractor you’re thinking of hiring is legitimate. Not only should you check that they’re licensed, but you should also make sure they have insurance.

If the contractor isn’t licensed or insured and something goes wrong, you may be liable. So, to protect yourself, you must take the time to verify this with any potential contractors.

2) Not Checking References

Not checking references is another common mistake when hiring a contractor. It may seem like a time-consuming step, but checking references can give you important insights into a contractor’s work ethic and quality of work. If a contractor is reluctant to provide references, that should be considered a red flag.

When you follow up with references, be sure to ask specific questions about the project and whether the reference would hire the contractor again. Taking the time to check references can help you avoid hiring a subpar contractor, saving you time and money.

3) Getting a Quote Over the Phone

Getting a quote over the phone from a contractor may save time, but it is not the best way to get an accurate estimate. The contractor can’t see the job site and may not be familiar with the area. In addition, the contractor won’t be able to see any potential problems, such as termite damage or rot. As a result, the estimate may be too low, and you could pay more for the job than you expected. 

It is always best to get an in-person estimate from a contractor. This way, the contractor can see the job site and potential problems. In addition, the contractor can ask you questions about your vision for the project. As a result, you’ll likely get a more accurate estimate. So when hiring a contractor, be sure to get an in-person estimate.

4) Automatically Hiring the Contractor with the Lowest Bid

Automatically hiring the contractor with the lowest bid may seem like a way to save money, but it could cost you more in the long run. The lowest bid may indicate that the contractor is cutting corners or using inferior materials. In addition, the contractor may be inexperienced and unable to complete the job to your satisfaction. 

Before hiring a contractor, be sure to get a few bids and look at reviews to get an idea of the quality of their work. You tend to get what you pay for when you hire a contractor, so do your research before committing to one.

Conclusion

It can certainly be difficult to find the right contractor for a project, as making the wrong choice can be costly. However, by following the above mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor, you can help ensure that your project goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible. Good luck!

If you’re looking for a professional, reliable contractor, we’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with a member of the J Bond Construction team today.