How to Spot a Good or Bad Contractor: What You Should Know
During the home building or renovation process, hiring the right contractor is the most important decision you will make. Not only will a good contractor turn your dreams into reality, but they can also give you peace of mind throughout the entire process. However, hiring a bad contractor can cause stress, leaving you confused and cost you valuable time and money.
MCG understands the frustrations that can come with home construction projects and how crucial it is to work with a team of professionals who do things correctly. Here are some signs that can help you find a good contractor and the red flags to avoid.
Signs of a Good Contractor
1. Is a great communicator: Construction projects are stressful. There are a lot of moving parts, timelines, and budgets to adhere to. A great contractor is one that keeps you informed every step of the way, is available to answer any questions you have, and is honest with you.
2. Has great reviews and referrals: When looking to hire a contractor, ask family and friends for recommendations, read Google and other online reviews, and ask for references from potential contractors. A contractor who is willing to connect you with previous clients is a major green flag. Happy clients and reviews speak volumes.
3. Has the proper licensing and insurance: Be sure to look for contractors that are licensed by your state’s licensing board and carry the proper insurance policies. Not only does this protect you, but it also protects them and their crew.
4. Provides a fair and accurate estimate: The best contractors usually are not the cheapest, but they will be the most transparent. Look for a contractor who provides a detailed estimate in writing including the cost of materials, the project timeline, and the payment schedule.
5. Busy, but not too busy: A good contractor has a steady flow of projects but knows how to not spread themselves too thin. Make sure you find a contractor who is sustainably busy and has current projects but is not too busy to take on your project. A contractor who is too busy will not have the time to appropriately focus on your project and one who is not busy and can start work immediately may be a sign that there are other red flags.
6. Lays out a transparent timeline and professional contract: A contractor should never have anything to hide, so one that lays out a clear project timeline and provides a professional contract for all parties to sign is key to success.
7. Acquires the correct permits and adheres to state standards: A great contractor will not cut corners, especially when it comes to meeting all local and state building codes and regulations. Ensure that your chosen contractor will obtain all of the necessary permits needed to keep the project safe and compliant.
Signs of a Bad Contractor
1. Requires full payment upfront: If a contractor requires payment in full before work has even started this may raise alarm bells. The usual standard practice is to require a reasonable deposit prior to work beginning and then additional payments at pre-agreed upon times in the project.
2. Low estimates and little to no references: Good deals are hard to come by these days, but if an estimate seems too good to be true, then it is. Contractors who provide exceptionally low estimates usually use subpar materials, cut corners on project tasks, or lack the experience to know what a true estimate really is. Additionally, contractors who come with little to no references or reviews also are signs of inexperience.
3. Shoddy workmanship: If you notice poor craftsmanship, unfinished finishes, or other shortcuts in their work portfolio, look for a different contractor. Excellent workmanship is key not only for the longevity of your home and resale value, but also in keeping repair and replacement costs down in the future.
4. Poor communication: Struggling to reach them via phone or email, even when trying to make initial contact, is a sign of a poor contractor. Everyone is busy and contractors with multiple projects are no exception, but a contractor who does not make speaking with a potential new client a priority is a red flag.
5. No state licenses or insurance: Run away from contractors who do not have a state licensure and insurance (or refuse to show documentation). While it may be tempting from a money-saving standpoint, it will become a major headache in the future.
When you are starting to build a new home or upgrading your current one, finding the right contractor is key. Do not settle for anything other than the best for your budget, timeline, and project needs. The right contractor will make the process easier and treat your project with attention and care with open communication channels and high-quality work.
MCG is proud to be a trusted contractor in Northeast Florida. If you are thinking of starting a new home project and are looking for a contractor, then reach out to MCG today to get started!