Todd Nesnick
You’ll need to check out online review sites and referrals before hiring a contractor. These sites allow you to read reviews written by real customers. While they don’t replace in-person recommendations, they are helpful tools to use in conjunction with them. For example, NARI’s website allows you to search for contractor reviews and read what others have to say about them.
Finding a reliable contractor
One of the most important steps to finding a great contractor is to ask around. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. You can also use the internet to find contractors in your area. Many contractors advertise in your neighborhood and build their reputations by pleasing satisfied customers. Another great way to find a contractor is to join neighborhood discussion groups.
While the internet is a great resource for finding trustworthy contractors, you can also rely on personal referrals. If you know someone who’s had a great experience with a contractor, you’ll be more likely to trust their recommendations. You can also look up contractor information on the Better Business Bureau, which can provide information on any complaints filed against them. However, keep in mind that good contractors make mistakes too! So, don’t take any negative reviews as a red flag.
Finding a contractor with good online reviews
Consumer-oriented review websites are a good place to start your search for a good contractor. These websites allow consumers to share their experiences, and they’re also a great way for a contractor to gain new clients. Although there are some contractors that have bad online reviews, they’re usually a minority, and the overwhelming majority of these reviews will be positive.
It is critical for contractors to diversify their online presence. While some clients will go straight to a favorite review site, it’s a good idea to have a presence on all of the major review sites. This includes the Big Three – Yelp, Facebook, and Google – as well as niche review sites like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor, which focus on contracting.
Finding a contractor with good referrals
Before hiring a contractor, it’s important to get referrals from people you trust. People who have had good experiences with a contractor will be happy to recommend them to others. On the other hand, those who had a bad experience will be wary of saying anything, and that’s a red flag. If possible, visit a completed project to see if you can see yourself working with that contractor.
Another way to get contractor referrals is to check online review sites. The Better Business Bureau and Yelp both allow you to read reviews from real people. You can use these sites in conjunction with references from friends and family or even from a lumber yard salesperson.
Doing your own research before hiring a contractor
Doing your own research before hiring a contractor is the key to ensuring that you are getting the best service possible. Doing your research online is a valuable resource and can help you avoid scams and scam artists. It is also helpful for ensuring that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and has a positive reputation. You should also look for references, as contractors are usually honest when supplying references.
Always be prepared to ask questions when dealing with contractors, as this will give you an idea of their level of professionalism and knowledge. If they try to avoid your questions, this could be a red flag that they are dishonest or not worth working with. Checking online reviews from reliable sources such as HomeAdvisor, Yelp, Google reviews, and Facebook pages can help you find a reputable contractor.
Perform a Background Check
When you’ve narrowed down your options for contractors, it’s time to do some background research. Checking their references is a good place to start. You can also check their licensing status with your state’s licensing board, and look for any complaints that have been filed against them. The Better Business Bureau is another good resource for information on complaints against contractors. Perform a background check on the contractor to see if there are any red flags that you should be aware of.
It’s also a good idea to check online reviews, as this can give you an insight into the contractor’s level of customer service. Checking multiple review sites will give you a more well-rounded view of the contractor. Once you’ve gathered all of this information, you should be able to make an informed decision about which contractor to hire.
Avoiding paying in cash
There are many risks associated with paying a contractor in cash. You risk being audited by the Internal Revenue Service and facing hefty penalties. You should avoid paying contractors in cash if you are a taxpayer. Cash payments may seem easier than cutting a check, but you might find yourself paying back employment taxes or worse.
While you can pay cash for a contractor, it is always a good idea to write a check and make it payable to the company. Make sure that you get a receipt for your payment so you can keep track of any discrepancies. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that contractors who ask for cash payments are less likely to be honest about their payment methods.
Conclusion
Hiring a contractor can be tough and overwhelming, but by doing your own research and being prepared with questions, you can make an informed decision. Checking online reviews from reliable sources is one way to ensure that you are hiring a reputable contractor. Another important thing to keep in mind is avoiding cash payments whenever possible, as this can lead to tax problems for the homeowner. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect contractor for your next home improvement project.