If you know how, please tell your average real estate agent. We need good, reliable, and fair contractors.
It seems that most, if not all, contractors – general or special – perform at variable levels – sometimes good and sometimes terrible…and everywhere in between.
A contractor may perform exceptionally for one client, and fail to show up for another. Or a contractor who messes up for one client will cut the bill to satisfy the customer with a lower price….and those contractors eventually go out of business…and then we’re left with all the variable performers and those others who charge alot and do a good job, but at a premium.
So here’s a few tips to review and choose a good contractor:
- How long have they been ion business and under what names? )Many go under one name until the reputation is tarnished, then they start a business under another name.)
- How long has your crew been with you? (Are they people who you just pick up as day laborers at the local stops?)
- What will be handled by you, your staff, and any subcontractors?
- Worker’s Compensation and liability insurance – tell me your insurance agent’s name & contact info so I can get an insurance certificate before I hire you.
- License – Georgia requires general contractors be licensed.
- What other projects will you work on besides mine, where are they, and what is the projected time to start and finish the project?
- List of references from clients with similar projects?
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the past 12 months?
As you probably already guessed, there is an association of remodeling professionals. National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a trade organization of high-quality remodeling professionals including contractors, builders, architects, suppliers, and more. Its members are committed to integrity, high standards, professional education, ethics and market recognition.
Oh, and like I mentioned at the beginning..if you know any good, decent, reliable contractors in the Atlanta metro area – please let me know…I’ve been looking for 20+ years!
Update note 3-28-2015: Calgary put a contractor list together, but will it be maintained up to date, screen consumer feedback, record reviews on contractors, or just list the licensed contractors? And just because a contractor is licensed, it doesn’t mean they do a good job.
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.