How to Find a Good Contractor for Home Improvement Repairs
You’ve likely seen the story on your local news: A fly-by-night contractor swoops into town and scams dozens of homeowners out of thousands of dollars each before disappearing without a trace.
No one wants to go through such an ordeal. And yet it happens all the time, especially during the summer when more homeowners start home improvement projects.
The vast majority of contractors are honest and trustworthy, but there will always be those who are ready and willing to run a scam and run off with your money. So how can you make sure you find a reliable and reputable contractor who keeps their promises? And how do you make sure you’re hiring the right professional for the job? Let’s take a look.
Do You Need a Contractor or Handyman?
Take a look at your project to-do list. Perhaps you need to replace the roof, fix the leak under the kitchen sink, re-tile the hallway floor, and install a ceiling fan in your son’s bedroom. You’d also like to build a small deck for summer cookouts.
Some of these projects are relatively easy to complete, while others are far more complex. So the question becomes: Do you need to hire a contractor, or will a handyman suffice?
Certain projects require in-depth knowledge and even local or state certifications; for these projects, you’ll need a contractor. Other projects can be tackled by someone who knows how to use a bandsaw or who has the time to fix a leaking pipe; for these projects, you can call a handyman, who will typically charge less per hour or project than a licensed contractor.
Here’s how to figure out which professional to hire for your project.
Handyman
A handyman will typically complete general home repair and routine maintenance projects, such as:
- Replacing a sink
- Installing a new toilet
- Painting
- Cleaning gutters
- Drywall repair
- Installing a patio
- Seasonal maintenance projects
- Minor HVAC repairs
- Flooring repair or replacement
- Yard work
- Fence repair
- Eliminating outdoor mold
While these projects are not complex and don’t require much specialized knowledge, it is important that they’re done right. A shoddy drywall repair job can cause more problems than it solves, for example. Make sure your handyman or contractor knows how to execute a drywall repair properly; this guide from Omega Industries has much more detail on the process.
Contractor
Contractors are better suited for larger jobs that require a permit, specialized knowledge, or both. These professionals fall into two categories: general contractors and contractors.
General Contractor
A general contractor (GC) acts as a manager for large projects. They hire contractors, known as subcontractors, to perform specialized tasks such as installing new plumbing, installing new countertops, or rewiring a house. General contractors make sure that all permits are filed, all deadlines are met, and costs stay on budget.
You should hire a general contractor for projects such as:
- Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
- Building an addition
- Building a new home
Contractors
Contractors are skilled and licensed tradespeople who work independently with several general contractors or with a larger agency. You would hire a contractor for projects such as:
- Building a deck
- Rewiring a home
- Installing a whole-house generator
- Replacing plumbing or installing a water heater
- Installing new windows or doors
- Rebuilding a fireplace or installing a wood stove
- Installing tile or masonry
- Installing an HVAC unit
If you’re still not sure if you need a general contractor, regular contractor, or handyman, follow these rules from HomeAdvisor:
- If the job will take more than a week, hire a GC.
- If the job requires several different pros to complete, hire a GC.
- If the job requires a few permits, hire a GC.
- If these rules don’t apply to your project, you might be fine with a regular contractor or even a handyman.
See more at…https://www.moneycrashers.com/find-good-contractor-home-improvement/