Everyone has heard a troubling anecdote about an agreement with a contractor gone awry. Either they go over budget, take too long, or disappear entirely. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid these awful situations while selecting a reputable and talented contractor.
Today, we’re going to walk you through the steps you should take and things you should consider when trying to find the right contractor.
Painters
Professional painters have all the supplies, tools, and expertise you need to ensure the thorough completion of your project. Painting is time-consuming, and mistakes can be costly. So you’ll want to be realistic with your time and level of expertise when considering taking the project on yourself.
If you do decide to hire a pro, do your research. Head online to read reviews, stop by your local paint retailer to ask for a referral, or reach out to friends and colleagues to find out who they used. Whatever you do, make sure you source at least three quotes before settling on one.
The cost of hiring a painter could start as low as $40 per hour and soar as high as $84 per hour, so shopping around will make a difference.
Roofers
Roof repairs are serious business. As such, they should only be done by someone with experience. That’s not to say that you can’t work on your roof yourself. Just that, if you plan on attempting it, make sure you’re capable.
If you do choose to hire someone, take your vetting process seriously. As with painters, request multiple quotes from multiple companies. Online reviews are valuable, but visiting job sights and interviewing potential hires is critical. Also, more than any other profession, you should lean towards a roofer or roofing company with longevity. Roofs should last decades, so a roofer with a resume of successful jobs dating back decades can be telling.
The cost of the job varies depending on the size of the roof and the particulars of the job. The estimated range landing anywhere between $1,200 and $30,000.
Plumbers
Most people only ever research a plumber when it’s an emergency. Don’t be most people. A little bit of foresight can save you money long-term. In the case of plumbing issues, foresight could save any irreplaceable from water damage.
Be proactive and start vetting local plumbers right now. You can do so online via the many trade-based review sites, or look through the phone book and call around. Once you find one, write that name and number down and pin it to the fridge. Future you will be thankful.
The going rate for a professional is $326 an hour. But, before you go ahead and try solving your plumbing problem yourself, be absolutely sure that you know what you’re doing. DIYing even something as simple as a clogged drain can cause costly damage.
Electricians
Whether the lights have gone out or you’re hoping to install a new one, every homeowner eventually needs an electrician. In the event that you do need one, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that you’re hiring the right one for the right price.
Start by researching the going rates, followed by the local businesses offering electrical repair services and their corresponding reviews. Whatever you do, do not overvalue online reviews. There’s no replacing real, person-to-person interaction, so be sure to call the business or schedule a visit.
The national average cost for an electrician is $334 per hour, which is worth it when you consider how dangerous electrical work can be. Whichever way you slice it, hiring a certified electrician for electrical work is essential.
Carpenters
It’s tough to replace the steady, experienced hand of a licensed carpenter. In a lot of cases, a professional carpenter’s ability far outreaches that of the homeowner. A professionally built deck, for instance, not only looks and functions better, but they often last longer too.
Carpentry is a visual trade. As such, choosing the right one comes down to analyzing past jobs. You’ll still want to get quotes and call all of the references. However, the important thing here is that you enjoy the professional’s fabrication style. It’s also important to note that carpenters often specialize, so selecting the correct one is everything.
Depending on your own level of expertise, DIYing your project isn’t off the table outright, but there’s no replacing a professional carpenter’s touch. In terms of cost, you’re looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of $35 an hour.
Architects
Architects help customize a remodel, addition, or renovation with a comprehensive plan that will work exactly how you need it to.
When choosing an architect to tackle your project, style is everything. Review their portfolio with the intention of finding a style that matches your own. You’ll also want to prepare a list of what you want, what you need, and what you can realistically do without before getting the opinion of a professional.
Get quotes, call all of the provided references, and, if you can manage it, visit their previous jobs in person. The average cost of an architect is over $5,000, so you’ll want to make sure you’re doing everything that you can to hire the right one for you.
General Contractors
General contractors, or handymen, aren’t exactly specialized like an electrician or a carpenter, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable. In fact, odds are a handyman could solve many problems around your house at a fraction of the cost of a specialized pro. Not only can they tackle a variety of common problems, but they have all the tools to get the job done.
The cost of hiring a general contractor can range from $162 an hour to $608 an hour with an average cost of roughly $386. So, should you hire one? That depends on how much time you have on your hands.
If you do go down the path of hiring a general contractor, start by asking friends, reaching out to your local building supply store, or call the municipal building department for a recommendation.
Conclusion
The old axiom “measure twice, cut once,” can certainly be used to teach a lesson about hiring contractors. The more work you do in preparation, the better off you’re going to be. Calling references, reviewing portfolios, reading online reviews, and seeking out referrals can save you a lot of money, time, and headaches.
Do your home a favor and do your research! It will most certainly pay off.