You’ve been saving up to pay for that dream outdoor kitchen you’ve always wanted, or your finally ready to invest in adding new landscaping to your home. The first step to getting your project completed is to hire a contractor. But, there are things you should know about the process to make sure that you hire the right person for the job. C&M Residential wants you to avoid these top 5 mistakes that people commonly make when hiring a contractor.
1. Qualifications and Project Requirements Don’t Match
Many contractor companies may say that they have X years of experience – but you must make sure that, that experience matches the project at hand. A contractor that has 15 years of experience in brick laying is not necessarily the right person to call when you need a new porch installed.
2. Expectations are Not Aligned
Before your contractor starts any work on your home, the two of you should be clear on what the final outcome is going to be. If you are unsure about the look you are going for, you and your contractor should figure that out together before the work starts. Otherwise, the two of you may find yourself in disagreements, or you will find yourself paying additional money for change orders that could have been avoided.
3. Choosing the Lowest Bidder
We understand that price is a factor in your decision making process, but placing too much emphasis on it could end up leading you astray. If there is a contractor that is consistently under bidding projects, it could be because he is using lower grade materials or not hiring the appropriate skilled labor. Keep in mind: Goods and services are usually worth way you pay for them.
4. Working With an Uninsured Contractor
Good, reliable contractors have insurance for every worker and all sub-contractors. Their team is going to be covered for all types of liability – which is going to protect you as a client in the long run.
5. You Didn’t Get a Contract
This is where everything goes in black and white so that it is clearly stated and unarguable. A written contract is the basis of a good relationship between you and your contractor.
Plan ahead and do your homework before you hire a contractor for your outdoor renovations in Marietta, GA!