FIVE TIPS TO CHOOSING A BETTER CONTRACTOR
How do you know if a contractor is reliable,
honest and can do good work? Find out below.
As a professional contractor, I can assure you, these 5 tips to choosing a better contractor are simple and invaluable.
Earlier in my career I made the mistake of hiring a subcontractor who not only didn't show up to do the work but ended up costing me lots of money. Since then, whenever we plan on hiring a new contractor, I always follow this process:
Earlier in my career I made the mistake of hiring a subcontractor who not only didn't show up to do the work but ended up costing me lots of money. Since then, whenever we plan on hiring a new contractor, I always follow this process:
1. Ask for a referral
Before you go on online researching contractors, ask a friend, co-worker or family member for a referral. They might have had a great experience with a contractor and can recommend you to them.
2. Do an online search for local contractors, look for experienced ones
Yelp is the quickest and I've found it to generally be the most reliable tool when finding a contractor. Beyond the 1-5 star ratings and reviews, they have a very large database of contractors all around the country and even abroad.
Google Maps offers the convenience of searching for contractors right from their maps web-application. You can conduct a search in your neighborhood or city controlling how much of the map is displayed by zooming in/out. Occasionally they too share reviews from past customers.
Houzz is rapidly becoming a reliable source not only for pictures of remodeled homes but also finding good contractors. You don't even need to make an account to find contractors in your neighborhood. Houzz also has a good selection of reviews.
Google Maps offers the convenience of searching for contractors right from their maps web-application. You can conduct a search in your neighborhood or city controlling how much of the map is displayed by zooming in/out. Occasionally they too share reviews from past customers.
Houzz is rapidly becoming a reliable source not only for pictures of remodeled homes but also finding good contractors. You don't even need to make an account to find contractors in your neighborhood. Houzz also has a good selection of reviews.
"If I could give Tile Plus 10 stars I would, cause they more than deserve it!!
The beauty they left in 2 hours would have taken me & my husband 2 weekends to do past our move in date."
Jessica K. - Homeowner
Read more of our reviews here.
The beauty they left in 2 hours would have taken me & my husband 2 weekends to do past our move in date."
Jessica K. - Homeowner
Read more of our reviews here.
3. Review past photos of similar work
Based on the reviews, you should already have seen that your contractor has experience doing the work you want to hire him for.
Now look on the review site or on the contractor's site for pictures of past work. Make sure it looks good and is up to your standards.
Now look on the review site or on the contractor's site for pictures of past work. Make sure it looks good and is up to your standards.
4. Check for qualifications, certifications and guarantees
A competent and professional contractor will have his certifications and qualifications. These give you extra peace of mind that this company is legally certified to handle your construction.
Tile Plus is both licensed and bonded as a tile contractor. Find out more about us.
Also look for guarantees of work. A contractor that can guarantee their work should be able to deliver a high-quality service. All tile work installed by Tile Plus is guaranteed for 1 year from the completion date.
Tile Plus is both licensed and bonded as a tile contractor. Find out more about us.
Also look for guarantees of work. A contractor that can guarantee their work should be able to deliver a high-quality service. All tile work installed by Tile Plus is guaranteed for 1 year from the completion date.
5. Call the contractor and get a price/estimate
So the contractor has good reviews, good pictures, he's licensed, certified and has a guarantee. Now you should ask him for a rough estimate on prices.
He may need to visit your home to do so, if that's the case, then ask try to schedule him in on a day when you can fit in several other estimators. Getting an estimate from 3 or more contractors is a good idea, not only to price the job out, but also to find a contractor who you get along with.
I once nearly hired a bathtub re-glazer because of his great reviews, pictures and certifications. But before I did, I decided to shop around a bit more. Fifteen minutes later I found a competitor who met the same qualifications but charged 75% less and could do the job sooner!
He may need to visit your home to do so, if that's the case, then ask try to schedule him in on a day when you can fit in several other estimators. Getting an estimate from 3 or more contractors is a good idea, not only to price the job out, but also to find a contractor who you get along with.
I once nearly hired a bathtub re-glazer because of his great reviews, pictures and certifications. But before I did, I decided to shop around a bit more. Fifteen minutes later I found a competitor who met the same qualifications but charged 75% less and could do the job sooner!
In Summary
In summary, hire your next contractor confidently by spending a few minutes to follow these 5 tips.
Tile Plus is San Jose's expert tile contractor. Check out our positive reviews, check out our certifications and view our services. Then get a free estimate.
Tile Plus is San Jose's expert tile contractor. Check out our positive reviews, check out our certifications and view our services. Then get a free estimate.