Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor

Making upgrades to your home goes a long way toward improving your quality of life. This is one of the major reasons why Americans spent over $560 billion in 2022 on home renovations.

Although it’s possible to renovate your home on your own, it’s not recommended unless you have the materials and experience. Most people will get better results working with a general contractor.

Before you hire a licensed contractor, there are certain mistakes you should avoid. This will help your project go smoothly. Let’s explore what to keep in mind when hiring a contractor.

1. Hiring a Cheap Contractor

You get what you pay for when hiring contractors. It’s never recommended to choose the cheapest option. This will likely provide lackluster results.

However, you don’t have to spend as much money as possible. A contractor somewhere in the middle of the industry’s price range can meet your needs without stretching your budget.

2. Not Working with Someone Licensed and Insured

If a contractor isn’t licensed and insured, it’s imperative to look elsewhere. Otherwise, you risk financial liability.

For example, an uninsured contractor could damage your home or injure themselves during your project. In this scenario, you’ll have to handle the expenses yourself. This can easily cost thousands of dollars.

3. Hiring Someone Inexperienced

Contractors new to the industry won’t always fall short of your goals. It’s possible they have the knowledge and skills to handle your project.

They’ll be more prone to making mistakes, though. Prioritize contractors who have been in the industry for over a decade.

This ensures they will understand your project’s nuances. Experienced contractors have an easier time anticipating customers’ needs, as well.

4. Failing to Read the Contract

Never move forward without thoroughly checking your contractor’s agreement. Look for information on how they handle customer dissatisfaction. You should also examine what your money goes toward.

For large projects, it’s not a bad idea to get in touch with a lawyer. If the contractor attempts to rush you through the agreement, this is a red flag you can’t ignore. This behavior is a sign that the agreement is weighted in their favor.

5. The Contractor Isn’t Local

Many people make the mistake of overlooking the contractor’s location. If they aren’t local, it can be harder to coordinate bids. Job follow-ups will also be more complicated.

It’s worth noting that an out-of-town contractor doesn’t have a local image to uphold. If your project doesn’t turn out the way you intended, the damage to their reputation will be minimal.

Local contractors are dependent upon their communities for continuous work. They’re much more likely to provide excellent results and customer service.

Avoid These Mistakes When Hiring a Contractor

Hiring a contractor can seem complicated at first. The process is much simpler than most people anticipate, though. As long as you avoid the above mistakes, you’ll prevent issues that you could have otherwise encountered.

Our team at Streamline Construction has decades of experience and strives to exceed each of our client’s goals. We hire only skilled and dedicated professionals, allowing us to deliver the best results. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life.