How to find a good contractor

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Topic: How to find a good contractor

DDoc

Tue, 07/17/2007 - 3:51pm

How to find a good contractor

I have 18-year old blue shag carpet - IT MUST GO! I have even gone as far as purchasing the materials to put down hardwood floors (flooring, adhesives. Shortly after doing that, I realized this project was more than I could do by myself - how do I find a reputable contractor to rip out my carpet and put in my wood flooring? How do you know what you're getting? I've asked a few people, but I'm still leary...

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Cowboy contractor

sarah Love writes:

Wed, 08/22/2007 - 1:51pm

Hi This is always a difficult one, and there is no right answer. However, try and get some recommendations from friends and family who have used tradesmen in the past. When getting a quote… Trust your instinct, do you feel comfortable with the tradesman are you happy to have them in your house. If you have a dog, see how the dog reacts to them. Dogs will always spot some one who’s wrong. Finally the best tip of all. When discussing the work that needs to be done, if the contractor ever says that he is not a bodger / cowboy during casual conversation then don’t use him. I have been around contactors all my working life and I know that a good honest tradesman would never have such thoughts at the front of his mind when he is concentrating on a potential new contract. Good Luck Sarah Love http://www.grahamvideos.co.uk

I agree...

Fidget1479 writes:

Thu, 08/23/2007 - 11:03am

Definitely ask friends for recommendations. You may even have to get a recommendation of a friend-of-a-friend. After that, make sure to do your homework on the company. Ask them questions such as do you have insurance, a license, referrals (and photos) from past customers.

Ask them for an estimate, of course, but also ask them what their process is, how long is should take, how much they require up-front, and warranty information. Never be afraid to ask a "dumb" question, you need to know what to expect from each company. Don't assume anything is "standard practice", ask.

I recommend getting 3 estimates if possible. Don't necessiarily go for the least expensive estimate. You get what you pay for. Spend a couple extra bucks to go with someone your comfortable with (like the last post said) and whom you feel comfortable with them in your home. If they give you the heeby-jeebies, don't hire them.

Do your homework. Call past customers if possible, go to their showroom, browse the website, make sure they have a license and insurance. You should be able to do this through your local chamber of commerce (or the like).

Choosing a contractor can be hard, but you'll know when you've found the right one.

Good luck!

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DIYers, check out www.DCsurfaces.com! Products include: concrete countertops, acid stain, concrete resurfacing and more...

Also...

Fidget1479 writes:

Thu, 08/23/2007 - 11:13am

Also, be sure to ask about warranty issues that may arrise from them using materials you purchased. You had mentioned you got all the materials to do the job. Ask if they can use your materials and if they will still stand behind their warranty. I would bet that if anything were to happen to the floor after it's finished they will claim it is defect in the materials, not in their application. You may need to use their materials and try to return yours. Just make sure to ask them if using your materials could cause any issues or void any warranty. Protect yourself from the start.

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DIYers, check out www.DCsurfaces.com! Products include: concrete countertops, acid stain, concrete resurfacing and more...