COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Jul 22, 2011-When making
renovations to your home, selecting a reliable contractor is key to
getting the results you want without any negative consequences, hidden
prices or extra hassle. With so many contracting businesses available,
making the right choice can sometimes be difficult. Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc. offers the following tips for getting a contractor you can trust.
Referrals
"Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to find a contractor," says Clement.
"Talking to neighbors, friends and family about who they used, and even
stopping by to check out the results, is a great way to find a
tried-and-true contractor."
Interview
"Don't be afraid to shop around,"Clement suggests. Pick
out a few contractors who seem reliable, meet with them for an
interview, and don't forget to ask for references and free estimates.
"You want to feel comfortable with your contractor, so find someone you
connect with," states Clement. "And don't always go for the
lowest price bid-there could be hidden costs, underpaid workers or
shoddy building materials." Compare prices-if one company is a great
deal lower, it may be best to drop them.
Ask the Right Questions
When talking to a potential contractor, it's important to ask
questions that might not come up organically in conversation, says Clement.
Some of these include queries about how long they have been in
business; who will be working on-site, including any sub-contractors and
supervisors; on-site trash removal and cleanup; how many similar
projects have been completed and what time of day workers will be on
site.
Look for a License
If you find a contractor who looks promising, check out the
state licensing board to make sure their business is licensed, and that
they have a clean record. If complaints have been filed against them,
that doesn't automatically mean they are bad news. Check out how they
were resolved. "The Better Business Bureau will most likely have any
complaints that have been filed, and will tell you how the contractor
responded to them," suggests Clement.
Insurance Information
Often contractors are required to have property damage,
personal liability insurance and workers' compensation. "If your
contractor doesn't have worker's comp, you could be held responsible for
any on-the-job or work-related injury," cautions Clement. Ask for proof of insurance and verify with the company before making a hire.
"If a contractor makes you feel pressured, fails to provide any
references, only accepts cash payment, or demands the entire payment
upfront, they probably are unreliable and may be roping you into a
scam," says Clement. Hiring a contractor for even a minor
remodeling project is a big deal-make sure you are 100 percent
comfortable with your choice before signing any agreements.
For more information about finding a local, reputable contractor, please click here to contact one our exceptional Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Region broker associates. Or, email info@wesellmore.net. You may also call one of our four locations:
Monument: 719-487-6100
North: 719-598-4700
Downtown: 719-635-7653
South: 719-576-5000
