Here's 10 Tips for hiring the right contractor for your project.
Choosing the right contractor is crucial for the success of your renovation. A skilled and reliable contractor can mean the difference between a smooth, hassle-free project and a costly headache. But what exactly makes a contractor the "right" one? It’s not just about their reputation and skills—it’s about finding someone who understands your needs and works well with you. It's important to choose someone you can collaborate with easily, rather than a contractor who clashes with you. In this post, I’ll share a few things I've learned from my experience as a professional contractor. So, how do you make sure you're hiring the right one? Let’s dive in and find out!
1. Start With Recommendations and Do Your Research
The first step in your search should be asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have completed similar renovations. Personal experiences tend to provide the most reliable information about a contractor's work ethic and reliability. However, don’t rely solely on recommendations. The fact is a lot of people don't actually know what good work looks like, so make sure to go inspect the work yourself to make sure you're pleased with the quality. Also do your own research by looking up contractors online, and checking their reviews.
Start a list of at about 3 to 5 contractors you think will be most suitable for your project. Using columns, you can start to gather information about each contractor in their respective columns to compare them to one another. Each section below should provide you with opportunities to jot down some notes for each contractor or, remove them from your list.
2. Get in Touch With Them
Reaching out to potential contractors to discuss your project can be a bit tricky, but having the right approach will make it easier. Contractors are often busy and might not pick up the phone right away. They could be on a roof, in a trench, or with their hands full of glue or cement—they're just constantly on the go! Instead of calling, it’s usually better to start with a text or email. Most contractors will respond to a text within a few hours, sometimes even minutes, and from there, you can arrange a time to talk.
On the Impact Construction website, there’s an easy-to-use form that provides all the info I need to have a more productive conversation with you. This is the best option, as I can quickly review the details and let you know if I can help.
Pro Tip #1: If a contractor doesn’t get back to you after several attempts, they may be overwhelmed with new requests or not taking on new clients at the moment. Try not to get frustrated—many good contractors go through periods where they’re overloaded with work. However, an overbooked contractor may not be the right fit for your project, so it’s okay to cross them off your list and move on.
Once you've successfully reached your contractor, here are some key details to provide during your call:
Project Type: What type of project is it (kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, etc.)?
Job Size: Use square footage or rough dimensions to give them an idea of the scope.
Timeline: Do you have a strict deadline, or is the timeline flexible?
Location: Let them know where the project is located, as this can impact whether they take the job.
(Optional) Budget: If you're comfortable, share your budget. This shows you're serious and helps the contractor determine if the project is doable within your range.
Pro Tip #2: Be mindful of the contractor's time—stick to project details and avoid lengthy backstories or unrelated personal conversations. Contractors appreciate this and may be more likely to take on your project.
After providing these details, the contractor will let you know if they can take on the job. At this point, it's important to ask a few key questions to further assess them:
Do they handle multiple projects at once, or focus on one at a time?
Will the work be done by subcontractors, their own employees, or the contractor themselves?
How long have they been in business?
Are they willing to provide client references?
Do they have liability insurance, and if so, what’s the coverage?
Do they have WSIB (Workers’ Compensation) in case of injuries?
Make sure to take notes on their answers so you can compare contractors later and make an informed decision.
3. Multiple Projects
When a contractor takes on multiple projects, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get less attention or lower quality work. It really depends on how they manage their workload. Some companies have enough in-house staff to handle several projects at once, like roofing or flooring companies. Others, such as general contractors, rely on a network of subcontractors to get the job done. Both of these setups are perfectly capable of juggling multiple jobs because that's how their businesses are designed to function.
However, if a contractor works solo, they’ll need to divide their time between different projects. While this isn’t always a problem, it can raise concerns. It's important to ask them how they plan to manage their time to ensure your project stays on track. In some cases, contractors who take on more than they can handle could end up delaying or even abandoning a project, so make sure to discuss their workload before hiring.
4. Who Is Doing The Work?
Find out who will be doing the actual work on your project—whether it’s employees, subcontractors, or the business owners themselves. Subcontractors are usually hired by a general contractor to handle specific parts of the project, like plumbing, electrical work, or drywall. Subcontractors may have their own employees, or they might be smaller operations where the owner does most of the work themselves. Some general contractors have their own in-house team for most tasks, while solo contractors often handle the majority of the work and only bring in subcontractors for specialized jobs.
So, which option is better? There’s no simple answer, but generally, when the business owner is directly involved, you can expect higher quality and efficiency since they have the most invested in the project. While employees and subcontractors may not always have the same level of commitment, there are plenty of excellent workers out there who can deliver great results. The key is doing your homework—some companies have top-notch teams, while others don’t. Taking the time to research your contractor can make all the difference.
5. Cheap, Good, or High Quality?
Consider the quality of work you want and how much you're willing to spend, as this will help you choose the right contractor. Every contractor offers different levels of craftsmanship, uses different methods, and works with various materials. If you want top-quality work that lasts, you'll need to hire a contractor who specializes in high-end projects, which typically comes with a higher price. However, if you're working with a tighter budget, it may be better to look for a contractor who focuses on more affordable options.
6. Review Portfolios and Ask for References
Always ask contractors to show you pictures of their previous work. A good contractor will have photos of projects similar to what you’re planning, even if they’re just on their phone. This is a great way to start a conversation about how they handled similar jobs, which can help build your confidence in their abilities. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for references from past clients, and make sure to follow up by calling them. Ask how their project went, if the contractor stuck to the budget, and if they were happy with the quality of the work.
7. Warranties/Guarantees:
Ask the contractor if they offer a warranty on their workmanship and how long it lasts. It's wise to request a physical or digital copy of the warranty policy so you can compare what’s covered by each contractor. When the project is complete, make sure you receive a warranty certificate—if you don’t, be sure to ask for it! This certificate serves as proof of the warranty and will outline the specific details of your project and what’s covered under the warranty terms.
8. Get Multiple Estimates
Before making your final decision, it's important to get quotes or estimates from several contractors. This will give you a better understanding of the typical cost for your project and how each contractor values the work. Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others—this could indicate that the contractor is cutting corners or underestimating the scope of the job. Compare the quotes carefully to ensure you're getting both good value and the level of quality you want. Keep in mind that each contractor will offer a different experience and attention to detail, so their quotes will vary, by a lot! Additionally, be sure to check their reputation and any warranties they offer.
9. It Goes Both Ways
Something you might not have considered is that the contractor will be evaluating you just as much as you're evaluating them. From my experience, if a potential client comes across as difficult—whether they seem arrogant, overly demanding, anxious about money, or constantly ask for discounts—it raises red flags. Contractors, like any business, want to be paid fairly for their work. So if you've found a contractor you want to hire, show that you respect and value their skills instead of pushing for a bargain. This approach will make them more likely to choose you as a client and can help build a long-lasting, professional relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
10. Trust Your Gut
Trust your instincts when choosing a contractor. If a contractor comes across as arrogant or overly confident, saying things like, "I'm so fast, you'll be amazed," it can be a sign of insecurity or lack of experience. From what I've seen, contractors who boast like this rarely live up to their claims. I've never had a positive experience hiring someone with that attitude. A good contractor is typically calm, respectful, humble, and listens carefully to your questions and concerns, offering thoughtful advice and opinions. Remember, your renovation project could last weeks or even months, and selecting the right contractor will not only make the process smoother and more enjoyable for you but also lead to a better final result.
11. (Bonus Tip)
Timing can actually play a big role in securing the right contractor. If you reach out to your ideal contractor when they're extremely busy, they might not have the availability to take on your project. You'll have better luck contacting them during their off-season.
Typically, you should avoid these times:
Late summer or fall: Contractors are often rushing to wrap up summer projects before winter, making it hard to get on their schedule.
Spring: This is when contractors receive a flood of new requests, and they might struggle to keep up with the demand.
Reaching out during quieter periods could increase your chances of booking the contractor you want.
Stay tuned for more posts in the Working With Contractors series, where I'll provide valuable tips and tricks to help you navigate the renovation process with confidence. We’ll cover a range of important topics, from how to choose the right contractor, to understanding contracts, managing timelines, and avoiding common pitfalls. I'll also dive into some of the issues you might encounter along the way and offer practical advice to help you overcome them.
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