How to Hire Contractors
Hiring a contractor to perform work on your property can be a scary process. You are usually giving them a good chunk of money and there is no way to ensure they will perform the work to your expectation or at all in some cases. While there is no way to 100% ensure what the contractor will live up to expectations, here are some helpful tips to make sure you hire a good one.
Finding Qualified Contractors
The first step to deciding on a contractor is finding some. The best way to find a good contractor is through the recommendation of a close friend that has no vested interest your decision. Some contractors offer referral bonus or things of this nature. For most people the most convenient way to find a pool of qualified contractors is the internet. Some sides such as Thumbtack and HomeAdvisor allow you to pitch your project to contractors and get quotes and/or hire. Yelp and google local map search are also good resources which will also let you see reviews for each contractor.
Weeding-Out Bad Contractors
When I hire a contractor to perform work on my home, I go through 3 levels of checks.
Level 1: Communication Skills, Promptness, Listening Skills
Level 2: Is Price is Reasonable? Are they Asking for More than 50% Deposit to Start Work? Do they Provide References? Do they Have at Least 10 Reviews on Yelp, FB, Etc.
Level 3: Insured? Licensed if Required for Trade? Google the Company or Individual for Red Flags
Prospecting for Contractors
As a contractor myself, I have a few recommendations for etiquette on the customer side as well.
1. If you have a budget, just say it. Going with the cheapest guy rarely gets you the best results.
2. Those sites that match you with contractors are free for you, but contractors pay to contact you. Please don’t use HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, AngiesList, Ect till your serious.
What Should Roofs, Gutters, Fences Cost?
When it comes to customer cost, I can only speak for Texas contractors and specifically in the Dallas and Fort Worth area markets.
New Gutters: $4-5/ft 5” K-Style Gutters
Gutter Guard: $2-3/ft Installed
Gutter Cleanings: $150-300* 3k sqft or smaller
Roof Repairs: $150/Labor Hour* Ranges Wildly
New Roof: $250-300/sq *sq = 10"‘ x 10” area
New Fence: $4-6/sq ft* Depends on style, stain and yard slope