By Earl Miller, owner of Earl Miller Construction
Using your own resources is the best way to choose a contractor. Do you have a neighbor or friend who has had someone perform a job for them that is similar to the one you are thinking about doing? If so, ask them who they had do the work, if they were satisfied, and if they were treated fairly. If your neighbor or friend highly recommends the contractor, that person is probably someone you could contact.
Other sources to ask when you’re looking for contractors are:
Lumberyards and suppliers of materials that may be used on your job
Home Builders Association
Better Business Bureau
Your City's Inspection Department
Property Insurance Agents
Yellow Pages and local newspapers are good sources for names of contractors and the type of work they do.
What to look for in a contractor
1. Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured?
To obtain a building permit in Sioux City, a contractor has to post a $10,000 performance bond and be licensed in the state of Iowa.
2. Is this contractor a person I would want in my home?
3. Does the contractor have employees? If so, would I want them in my house?
4. Is this person easy to talk to and communicate with?
5. Will my job be started and completed on time?
6. How long has this contractor been in business and does he have the expertise to do my job?
7. Will the contractor stand behind his work and for how long?
8. Do I get a bid proposal with work items listed individually?
9. Does this person care about me and what I want?
10. Do the contractor and his employees clean up after themselves each day and at the end of the job?
11. Does the contractor perform the work according to code and take out proper permits? (City codes are for your safety and protection.)
12. Does the contractor have references for you to check?
13. Is the contractor sincere, honest, and trustworthy?
Working with your contractor
After you have chosen your contractor based on the above criteria, contact the contractor and describe the project you are contemplating, the time frame in which you would like the work started, and when you would like it completed. Set up a time to meet so the contractor can view the project. Only at that point can a realistic proposal be made to reflect the time and money involved.
Unless you know your contractor very well, or have worked with him in the past and feel very comfortable, it is always a good idea to obtain another bid or two from other contractors.
Make sure the contractor has access to the areas he needs to look at without any obstacles in the way. If you have a watch dog on your premise, make sure he is restrained. Most contractors will not bid or work in what they feel will be an unsafe or unfriendly environment.
This first meeting with a contractor is critically important. You need to feel comfortable with the contractor. The contractor is also deciding if this is a project he can do, wants to do, will get paid for doing, and will fit both his schedule and your time frame.
Having a good working relationship with your contractor is important to insure the success of your project.
Earl Miller is a contractor and member of the Homebuilders Association and the Better Business Bureau.