How to Find a Good House Repair Contractor

 Finding house repair contractors can be challenging. Perhaps you’ve seen stories on the local news and social media about fly-by-night contractors scamming homeowners and earning thousands of dollars, and skipping town before getting caught. Or perhaps you’ve been victimized before and don’t want to go through that ordeal again.

 

Sadly, scammers are rampant, especially during the warmer seasons when many homeowners do repairs, improvements, or additions. While most contractors are trustworthy, reliable, and honest, there will still be rotten eggs.

 

So how can you find a reputable and reliable house addition contractor, and how can you hire the right professional? Let’s explore the options.

 

Firstly, determine which professional you’ll need.

 

Do you need a handyman or contractors for a renovation? The answer should depend on your project. Maybe you need to fix some leaks, replace the roof, re-tile your flooring, or install a new ceiling fan. Or perhaps you’re looking to construct a small deck for your outdoor gatherings?

 

Some of those projects are simple, while others are more complicated. Certain projects will also require state or local certifications and in-depth knowledge and training, which only experienced, trained, and accredited house repair contractors can do. But for projects like fixing a leaking pipe or installing a new appliance, a handyman may suffice.

 

Handyman vs. contractor

 

Call a handyman when you require general home repairs and routine maintenance projects, such as painting, replacing a sink, cleaning the gutters, installing a patio or a new toilet, drywall repair, or seasonal maintenance projects. Depending on their expertise and credentials, they might be able to perform minor HVAC repairs, outdoor mold treatment, and flooring replacement or repair.

 

These projects are not that complicated and don’t require specialized knowledge, but ensure you’re hiring someone who can do them right. Poorly done work could result in more costly problems down the line, so be sure you’re hiring someone experienced and qualified for the job.

 

When to hire a contractor

 

For larger jobs that may require specialized knowledge, a permit, or both, it’s better to call a contractor. Contractors fall into two types: general contractors and contractors.

 

A general contractor typically manages large projects. They work with subcontractors who do specialized tasks, like installing new countertops, plumbing, or rewiring. They ensure all permits are filed promptly and the project deadlines are met while staying on budget. A house addition contractor can take care of projects like additions and remodels.

 

Contractors are licensed and skilled tradespeople who function independently but work with several general contractors or a larger company. You’ll want to hire them for more complex projects, such as:

 

• Constructing a deck
• Rewiring the home
• Installing an HVAC, whole-house generator, masonry, tile, wood stove, or new doors and windows
• Rebuilding a fireplace
• Replacing a water heater

 

Which contractor is best for my project?

 

Consider these points if you’re still unsure whether to hire a general contractor or contractors for renovation:

 

• Hire a general contractor if the job will take over a week or requires several different professionals to complete.
• It makes sense to hire a general contractor if the job requires permits.
• If the job is relatively quick, minor, or doesn’t require permits, a handyman or contractor may do it.

 

Determine the cost

 

Contractors may quote you depending on factors such as the type of project, your location, and the cost of materials. Projects vary widely, so it’s impossible to find an average price. For instance, if you’re considering a house addition or a kitchen remodel, you’ll likely hire a general contractor with a team of subcontractors, including electricians and plumbers. The cost will depend on the scope of your project and every worker’s average hourly rates.

 

You may be able to cut costs by hiring house repair contractors near you. That way, you could avoid extra fees that may be charged to cover the distance to travel to your place every day.

 

The simplest way to find a reputable contractor

 

While you could do an online search, it means doing further research on every result you’ll get. It takes time, but you can minimize the guesswork by using an online contractor referral service. Choose a trustworthy and proven service that has helped homeowners connect with qualified and verified contractors near you. It will provide free estimates so you can compare quotes and make an informed hiring decision for your project.

 

A contractor referral service can connect you to a maximum of four contractors near you. Once you have prospects, consider doing further research to verify their capabilities and credibility. Here’s what you can do:

 

1. Verify the contractor

 

Whether hiring a house addition contractor or a professional to make extensive fixes, look them up to see what other homeowners have to say about them. Verify them through sites like Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau. That way, you know you’re not hiring a fly-by-night company.

 

2. Get their license numbers

 

Reputable contractors are willing to share their license numbers and insurance certificates to increase your confidence in them. All contractors should have insurance coverage and a business license. You may reach out to your local municipality to verify if the contractor is legal, and the certificate of insurance ensures the contractor is covered in case something goes wrong while employed by you. Moreover, make sure the contractor has worker's compensation and liability insurance.

 

3. Dig deeper

 

Ask questions if something is unclear. Consider asking them these questions:

 

• Do you belong to any local trade associations? What are they?
• How long have you been in business?
• What’s your estimated timeline for my project?
• Are you working on other projects that could affect your timeline for my project?
• What’s your payment schedule?
• Will the same people work on my project every day?
• Should I prepare my workspace or home? What should I do?
• How will the project affect my life and my family?
• Can you give me at least three references?

 

4. Get a detailed bid

 

Contractors for renovation should provide in-depth, itemized bids to provide a clear and upfront detail of the project’s cost. The bid lists everything you will pay for, including the labor costs, permit fees, materials, and other relevant expenses. Refer to the bid to understand how you can budget for the expenses. If it’s beyond what you can afford, change your project’s scope to suit your budget. A reputable contractor will work closely with you to help you stay on budget.

 

Watch out for these red flags.

 

Beware of a house addition contractor that takes in more work than they can handle and ask you to get the permits yourself. Be wary of contractors who charge you upfront or give low bids.

 

Conclusion

 

It’s unnerving to waste thousands of dollars on a home improvement project, but it’s more concerning when you can't trust the contractors responsible for the work. Finding the right house repair contractors takes work and effort to research, but it will be worth the trouble when you deal with someone experienced, dependable, and professional.