4 Things You Should Know About Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor

Are you thinking of replacing your roof or windows, adding insulation or replacing the siding of your home? Finding a reputable and experienced home improvement contractor is vital if you want the job done well at a fair and reasonable price. An unorganized or inexperienced contractor can result in additional costs that weren’t in the original budget and cause a lot of unnecessary stress. However, a good contractor can make the experience of improving your home that much more pleasant and hassle-free. In this article, we are going to look at four things you should know about hiring a home improvement contractor so you can head into your next project knowing you and your home are in good hands.

1. Get quotes from a variety of contractors 

Before you even consider choosing a home improvement contractor, it is important you get quotes from several contractors. The old standby is to gather three bids for the project, but the more you can get the better. Not only will this give you a better perspective on appropriate costs, but it will also give you a good idea of the standard of work each contractor offers. It is also a good idea when asking several contractors for a quote to make sure they are all using the same set of plans and specifications. This will make it easier when it comes to comparing quotes as they will all be basing the quote from the same information.

2. Carrying out background checks is essential 

Even if the contractor you are considering was referred from a trusted friend, it is still essential for you to conduct a background check. Request the company’s full name and address, and confirm they have a current state license and good insurance cover. You are also entitled to ask for license and policy numbers so you can ensure they are up to date. It is also a good idea to find out whether any formal complaints or legal actions have been carried out in the past against the contractor or their business, or if there are any currently pending.  The BBB is a good resource to research consumer complaints against a company or contractor.

3. Know what you are paying for 

When you receive your quote, ask for it to be detailed with line-item costs for materials and labor. This will make it easier to know what is included so you can compare quotes with other contractors. Ideally it would be good to get a fixed price, but chances are there will be some elements of the home improvement that are unknown until the project has started, making it difficult for the contractor to provide a fixed price. Make sure if there are any variable costs that you are aware of what they are, and how the contractor will charge for those when the time comes.

4. Contractors specialize in different areas 

Often home improvement contractors specialize in specific areas with certain brands. This allows them to get really good at what they do and know the best brands of materials to use. At Windows on Washington, we specialize in quality replacement window, roofing, siding, exterior doors and insulation.  We understand the differences between various brands and choose the products we offer very carefully.

To understand what makes Windows on Washington a trustworthy home improvement contractor watch the video below.