Hiring Contractors

We know that home repairs can get pricey, but recent research has revealed some surprising—and potentially risky—trends in how homeowners are approaching contractor hires. According to a poll of 1,000 homeowners, 33% of homeowners say that they are willing to hire someone who looks questionable on paper to save money. 

 

Even worse, more than one in three homeowners think they can DIY major renovation items such as a roof replacement (36%), an electrical upgrade (36%), a home addition (35%), a plumbing upgrade (35%), and an HVAC repair (34%). It’s always best to hire a licensed professional for large projects as those DIY attempts will more than likely result in larger issues down the road. In fact, the same survey showed 35% of homeowners had to completely redo a home renovation project - ugh!

 

If you’re in the market for home repairs, here are three smart steps to ensure you find a trustworthy contractor:

 

• Ask for Reviews and References: Reach out to friends and family for recommendations and always check online reviews. Remember, I have a preferred vendor list and am ALWAYS happy to connect you!
• Check Their Credentials: Make sure the contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance. A reputable contractor should be able to provide proof of their qualifications.
• Look for Warning Signs: Pay attention to early interactions. Are they providing detailed, written estimates? Is the payment structure clear? If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Bottom line - doing your homework now can save you a lot of stress and money later. Let's keep our homes safe and sound, and ensure we’re being smart with our repairs!