Choose A Contractor
Tips for Finding the Right Contractor*
Hiring someone to repair your home can be a stressful process. There are so many factors to consider. Are you being charged a fair price? Is this person trustworthy? Will this person complete the job on time? Below are some suggestions of how to consider if the contractor you’re considering is the right one for the job. And don’t forget to always trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Specialization & Business Longevity
Does the contractor have a specialty, and does it match the work you’d like to do? How many years has the contractor been in business? How much experience does he or she have?
Contracts & Warranties
A quality contractor knows that “putting it in writing” protects both the contractor and the buyer. All project specifications, work schedule and payment terms should be included. The contractor should provide a written warranty with specific definitions of what is covered, for how long and how claims are to be handled.
Referrals
References should be recent and reliable. Some contractors may have a portfolio displaying samples of their past work. Don’t forget to inquire about any subcontractors who may be working with your contractor.
Licensing & Insurance Coverage
Ask your local municipalities about permits and certification requirements. Not every state requires a license, so be sure to check what the standard is for your area. Does the contractor have adequate workman’s compensation and general liability coverage?
Trade Association Membership
Trade associations for contractors and builders like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) promote continuing education and certification to its members. You may also be able to get background information about your contractor from your local builders association or Better Business Bureau.
*While we ask the contractors who list themselves in the directory to adhere to certain standards of conduct, it is important for you to know that McCoy’s has not investigated, reviewed or evaluated the contractors listed in the directory or the content of their directory entries. Further, despite our request, some contractors in the directory may not adhere to our standards of conduct. For these reasons, McCoy’s is unable to recommend, approve or endorse any of the contractors listed in the free directory. It is therefore important that you perform your own full assessment before selecting any contractor in McCoy’s Contractor Network.