| You've got a big project involving office build-outs and | | | | but if they work from home that's cool. Reject them if |
| you need it finished by a certain date in the imminent | | | | they only have a cell phone number. |
| future. Well, you probably shouldn't have waited till the | | | | 5. References: You should check these to see how |
| last minute, but that's okay. But now you don't want to | | | | the company has worked in the past. After looking at |
| just choose at random any old contractor. It's best to | | | | five or so positive reviews, they're most likely reliable. If |
| go with someone you know personally or have | | | | there are just a couple, they can be trusted, but if |
| worked with in the past, but hey, if you have that | | | | there are none, this should raise warning flags. |
| resource, you probably wouldn't be reading this article. | | | | 6. Type: It's best to work with a contractor who |
| Anyways, with these tips on how to choose a | | | | specializes in the work that you need done. If they can |
| contractor, you can feel more comfortable in your | | | | do the kind of job you need, but usually do small home |
| decision. | | | | repairs, then they're still probably trustworthy. |
| 1. Once you have an idea of who you want to work | | | | 7. Plan: You want a clear and definite description of |
| with, you should meet them. Look for rapport, | | | | what will ensue on the job. Discounts to sign up |
| professionalism and punctuality. Communication is | | | | immediately are a bad sign. Any assumptions about |
| especially important in this meeting. If there is anything | | | | the scope of the work should be covered in detail. |
| that sets you off, or you don't feel comfortable about, | | | | Both a written and verbal guarantee are reassuring |
| it's probably not a good idea to hire them. This part of | | | | and should be provided if the contractor is professional. |
| the interview comes down to general impressions, | | | | No more than 25% to 33% of the price is asked for |
| which are almost always right. | | | | up front; the rest should be provided upon the office |
| 2. Licensing: It's important to look at the reputation of | | | | build outs completion. |
| the contracting firm. They should have a license, and | | | | Now since you're the one paying the contractor, the |
| should not have any recent complaints or reports | | | | terms should be yours. Don't feel pressured into |
| against them within the past three or so years. | | | | anything, and define what you want specifically from |
| 3. Insurance: You should ask to see their certificates on | | | | the job. Once you decide, don't get in the contractor's |
| this merit. It's great if they have workmen's | | | | way - they know what they're doing. And before |
| compensation and general liability, but if they have | | | | they're done, review what has been completed. Then |
| general liability that's okay too. You probably shouldn't | | | | talk about it with them. They'll be glad to meet and |
| work with them if they don't have any insurance. | | | | surpass your expectations, because hey, that's their |
| 4. When it comes to the stability of the company, you | | | | job! |
| ideally want a physical business office and address, | | | | |