How To Find A Good Home Repair Contractor
Hiring a home repair contractor is an important part of any renovation project. It’s essential to find someone you can trust and communicate with well. To start, gather price quotes from a few good contractors. Next, meet with them in person to get a feel for their “chemistry” or rapport.
Check Online Reviews
Online reviews are a huge part of the home repair industry, and can be used to help you find the right contractor. Whether you’re looking for a kitchen remodeler, a roofer or someone to perform plumbing work, reviews are an excellent tool in your search. To start, look for the big three review sites: Yelp, Facebook and Google. These are general review sites where businesses of all types have pages. You can also check niche review sites like Angie’s List and Houzz. They’re specifically designed to give you a better idea of how reputable the contractors you’re considering are, and can be a great resource for finding someone who does a good job in your area.
Check With The Better Business Bureau
Before you sign a contract with a potential home repair contractor, check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a free resource that you can use to find local and reputable businesses. A good way to begin your search is by calling each potential contractor’s references and asking them about their experiences with them. This will help you determine whether or not they are a good fit for your project. You should also ask each potential home repair contractor if they are licensed to do work in your area. You can check with your state licensing agency for information on licenses and certificates of insurance. The BBB also maintains a database of complaints filed against companies, charities and other organizations. These complaints are compiled from consumer reports filed throughout the country.
Check With Your Insurance Company
When it comes to choosing a home repair contractor, it’s essential to start by checking with your insurance company. In many cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for repairs in either replacement cost or actual cash value. The insurance company will send you a check for this settlement amount. It will be made out to you and, if you have a mortgage, to your lender as well. Some lenders might put a portion of the settlement money into an escrow account to help cover the costs of repairs. Once the work is completed and the lender has inspected it, they will release the remaining funds to you.
Check With The Contractor’s License
When hiring a contractor, it’s essential to ensure that they are licensed. This means that they have met certain qualifications, including training and passing tests. Licenses and certifications are typically regulated at the state and local level. They vary by city or county, but generally cover areas like electrical work, plumbing jobs and HVAC work. In addition, many states require contractors to be bonded. These bonds are a form of insurance that covers your home in case the contractor can’t complete their job properly.