10 Things to remember when evaluating a Contractor

A good contractor will be happy to answer your questions and is confident about their work

There is no other time when the saying “better be safe than sorry” is more true than now. With a bad economy, it’s best not to make any silly mistakes before hiring a contractor to work on your property. However, do not just hire someone simply because they’re cheap. You’ll need someone that you know would make your home a better living place without any future problem arising.

Horror stories are a dime a dozen in the industry. But you need not be part of them. Take heed of the below things that could actually save you from alot of possible problems in the future.

1. Hire a legitimate contractor. Don’t just assign the job to any foreign construction worker you find working on a neighbour’s house and expect great work. You can’t be sure of the quality and there is no guarantee. Is he a safe person to work with? Bear in mind you will be exposing your home to a complete stranger whom you have no background knowledge of.

tip: Check a contractors legitimacy by calling the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) at 603 – 2617 0200.

2. Compare prices and quality. Obtain at least 3 different proposals from different contractors before selecting 1. Be sure to ask each of these contractors to provide 3 reference projects or clients. With that, you can review past work performed by each of them and be certain of the quality of work.

3. Pay attention to details when reading documents the contractor wants you to sign. Make sure the contract includes provisions for you such as what work the contractor will guarantee carrying out and how long that guarantee lasts. Also, make sure that there is cancellation policy that will provide you at least 3 working days before the work starts to cancel the signed contract for any reason. This will give you some time to review the contract just in case you feel that you made the wrong decision.

4. Do not sign in a haste. Ensure that the contractor leave you a copy of the contract overnight for your review purpose and avoid contractors that will do not allow you that. Also make sure there is an estimated date of completion included in the contract. Be certain to understand all the terms in the contract before you sign it.

5. Be very suspicious of contractors that offer you discounts for signing a contract. If he says “Sign today and I’ll give you a 20% discount”, just ask him to give you the discount but say you will still need time to decide. No quality contractor will rush you for a signature in return for less profit. If he can afford the discount when u sign earlier, he can afford it even when you sign later.

6. Never pay in full. Always pay only 20%  in advanced. Another 30% while the job is carried out and the remaining 50% when the job has been completed. Also, take note that your payment to contractors should be paid by cheque, so that you can retain your cashed cheque as a receipt.

7. Contact your local building inspection department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if the contractor asks you to get the permit, it could mean the firm is not licensed. Be sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker’s compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that might occur.

8. You make the decision on materials. Make sure that the contractor and yourself are able to work hand in hand in terms of the materials used such as tiles, paints and etc. You should be the priority to approve the sample of the material.

9. Keep a file of all of the documents and records created as a result of the job. This file should include the signed contract, plans and specifications of work being done, bills and invoices, cancelled cheques, copies of the certificates of insurance, information about any subcontractors your contractor may use and material suppliers.

10. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The right contractor for the job will be more than happy to answer questions and explain differences in materials and workmanship. In fact, this may be the first important test of whether the contractor is someone you can work with on the project design and implementation.