It can be difficult to know who to trust when it comes to building your home, renovating your office, or just making some much-needed repairs. But with a little bit of research and caution, you can find a construction firm that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Here is a fool-proof guide to help you make the right decision!
1. Look for a Company with Good Reviews
Although you shouldn’t take online reviews as gospel, they can be a good place to start. Look for companies that have received excellent reviews from several different people. If any of the positive reviews are written in broken English, however, it might be time to cast your net elsewhere. So, a reputable construction company will surely provide their customers with high-quality services, which is why they’ll probably have great reviews. Also, keep in mind that genuine customers will always give positive feedback. So, look for a company with an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and make sure their license is current. This way, you’ll know they’re not trying to play the system by obtaining a new license under a different name or someone else’s.
2. Get A Written Estimate
Contractors often try to pressure clients into signing a contract without providing them with an itemized quote first, so be careful! Never sign anything until the company has written you up an estimate that includes every line item of work and exactly how much it will cost you. This is the only way you’ll be able to properly budget and plan for your project, and you will also know exactly what you’re paying for.
3. Check with Associations and Regulatory Bodies
Do they belong to professional organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the National Association of Homebuilders? Are they licensed in your area? Every construction firm should belong to at least one national or local association and follow all local building codes and regulations. The best way to find out if a company is legitimate is by checking with its governing body first. If they cannot provide any information about the company you’re looking to hire, steer clear. Another thing you should know here is to never hire a company that isn’t licensed to work where you live.
4. Make Sure They Are Insured
The last thing you want is to have your project canceled because of an accident or injury, so ask about insurance coverage before signing anything or handing over any money! You’ll be glad you did this, and for several reasons too, many of which involve avoiding lawsuits and getting reimbursed for loss and damages. The general rule here should always be: if they seem too good to be true – they probably are! So, take caution. If they aren’t insured, insist on covering yourself just in case.
While no one wants to hire a dishonest or incompetent contractor, choosing a good firm can often come down to who you know or who makes you feel. A construction firm doesn’t have to be large or well-known to do great work. So don’t let price alone determine who you hire – instead, look at all the details and how satisfied their previous clients are. You’ll be glad you did.