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So, you’re in the market for a contractor. Whether you need some home repairs done or are starting a new construction project, it’s important to know what to do when hiring a contractor. There are many things to consider, and we want to make sure that you’re making the best choices for your project and your wallet. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know when hiring a
contractor. We’ll discuss how to find qualified professionals, what to expect during the bidding process, and how to negotiate contracts.

How to Search for a Contractor
When you’re looking for a contractor, it’s important to find someone who is qualified and has experience with the exact type of project you’re working on, especially if you have specific needs about repairing your roof. You can start by asking friends, family, and neighbors if they have any recommendations. When looking online, look at the contractor’s site and make sure they have a portfolio of past projects that you can review. It’s also important to check online reviews and see what other customers have said about their experience with the contractor.

Read Online Reviews
Reviews are important when choosing any type of service, and that includes finding a contractor. You want to be sure that you’re hiring someone who is reputable and will do a good job. Be sure to read online reviews from multiple sites before making your decision.

Sites to look at include:
-Google
-Yelp
-HomeAdvisor
-Angie’s List
-Facebook
-Twitter

When reading reviews, it’s important to read through them carefully and make sure that they are unbiased. Some people might leave a bad review if they were unhappy with the contractor’s work, even if it was outside of their control. Other times, contractors might try to get customers to write good reviews about them in exchange for a discount or other incentive.

Check Licensing and Insurance
All contractors in your state should be licensed by the Contractor State License Board (CSLB). You can verify a contractor’s license on the CSLB website. In addition, all contractors should have general liability insurance. This will protect you from any damages that may occur during the project. You can ask to see a proof of insurance before hiring someone.

Run a Background Check
Before hiring a contractor, it’s a good idea to perform a background check. This will help you ensure that the contractor doesn't have any criminal history or complaints filed against them. Background checks can cost a few bucks, but they’re worth it to help protect yourself and your investment.

The Bid Process
Once you’ve found a few contractors that you want to consider, the next step is to get bids from them. This is where they will outline what they plan to do and how much it will cost. Ask for references from past clients and contact them to get more information about the contractor’s work quality.

The lowest bid may not always be the best option. Sometimes, contractors will lowball their bids to win the project, but they’ll charge extra for materials or labor once the job starts. That’s why it’s important to read through each bid carefully and make sure you understand what is included.

Contract Negotiations
After you’ve chosen a contractor, it’s time to. This is where you’ll finalize the scope of work, timelines, and payment terms. Be sure to get everything in writing so that there are no surprises down the road.

Asking for a discount is also common during contract negotiations. If the contractor has given you a higher bid than you expected, you can negotiate a lower price. However, be sure to do your research first so that you know what a fair price would be.

Conclusion
When you choose your contractor, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration. This includes their experience, reviews, bid, and contract. It’s important to do your research and make sure you’re hiring someone who is reputable and will do a good job. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect contractor for your project!

Emily

Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.

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