Contracting Tips (How to pick the best contractors) :

When choosing a contractor, it is extremely important to ask the following questions:

• Is the contractor insured?

• Can this contractor provide a current copy of their license and insurance certificate?

• Does this contractor work under their own license?

• Can this contractor provide references and do they have a portfolio of work for you to review?

• Does this contractor ask for a deposit up front?

• Do they guarantee the work they do? If so, for how long?  What are the conditions on the guarantee?

• How long has the contractor been in business locally for?

• Is there an official office or place of business?

• Do they subcontract ANY of the work they provide out?  If so, are thier sub-contractors licensed?

• Do they guarantee a schedule?

• How many projects do they work on at a time?  Will the crew working on your job have other jobs they are working on during your job?

• What grade of materials do they use?

• Could you trust this contractor at your home if you were to step out for a bit?

• How firm is the estimate they give?  Is there a written contract guaranteeing this price?

More Contracting Tips:

Top 10 Things to do when receiving bids from contractors. THESE WILL SAVE YOU MONEY!

1. Get at least 3 (three) estimates. You are about to spend the money that you worked hard for! Make sure that you follow these steps in order to guarantee that the work done on your property is completed correctly and efficiently.  Remember, if the contractor screws something up, it is you that has to live with it or have it fixed! We recommend that you drop the top and bottom bid and go with the middle estimate, however, if the bids are close, pick the contractor that you trust the most and has the best recommendations. This way you also get an assortment of information about the products you are interested in.
2. Educate yourself online. There are many resources to check products and companies online before they give you bids. ServiceLocker recommends that you review the contractors you receive bids from on RateMyContractor.org
3. Please respond to the contractors calling and sending you emails. If you feel as if you have enough bids, let the contractors know.  The contractors know you are looking to get bids and would like your business!  If you never respond to them, they will continue to contact you.
4. Ask for references. Of course we all know they will give you the best of the best customers that they have, but, the customers have no reason to lie and they WILL give you their honest opinion. 
5. Tell them if they treat you right or give you a deal YOU will be their next reference. You should get the best deal with this offer. The profit margin on home improvements is pretty large (usually at least 50%). Some contracting companies will LOSE money on your deal to get the overall dollars in the door for that week, month, or year.

1. Let the contractors know the bids you have received. Also, get a new bid from every contractor every time you get a new estimate. So if the first contractor gives you a bids $15,000, let the second contractor know what the first bid was and so on. When the second contractor gives you a bid, call back the first salesman and get a new bid and so on. You will find all 3 (three) companies actively bidding for your business.
2. Remember product. Make sure each of your bids is an apples to apples comparison when choosing a contractor.  If contractor A sells a horrible product OF COURSE they will have the lowest price. Be sure there are similar product and warranty guidelines you want as well in your bid.  For example if contractor A has the best product but cant beat contractor B with similar products in price, see if they can add on an extended warranty or do the installation for free.  
3. Take your time. If the salesperson tells you the deal is ONLY good for today, this week, etc. tell them to give you a bid that is good period. This is a ploy to get you to sign today.  In many states (like California) there is a 3 day cancellation policy mandated by state law giving homeowners the opportunity to cancel a contract served in a home.  Make sure you notify the contractor that you know about this law and they will respect you more and possibly extend this cancellation period.
4. MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! The service representative that comes to your home is a professional salesman! Remember you are buying from someone who typically makes 100% commission and the only way THEY make money is to sell you. The decision is yours, not theirs. If you feel uncomfortable with the company, services they provide, or ANYTHING, stop immediately.  Please report any uncomforatable companies to RateMyContractor.org so other homeowners can be warned. There are thousands of contractors in EVERY area, take your business and shop around until you are 100% satisfied.

 Finally, ask your friends and family members for referrals or use a free service like ServiceLocker.  After all, who knows what you are looking for better than your friends.  If the contractor did work for a friend or family member and treated them right, then they will most likely do the same for you.

If you follow these carefully you will save money and get a better deal than ANYONE else. Print this off and read it. It WILL help you.