Your house isn’t just a house — it’s the place where you cook family dinners, have fun game nights, and relax after a long day of work. Your house is also one of, if not the, biggest expense you will make in your lifetime, so when disaster strikes or major home repairs are needed, finding the best person for the job is vital.
But what should you look for when hiring a home repair professional to do restorations to your house, and how can you best protect yourself?
Take Time To Research
Don’t hire the first contractor or builder you find while googling. Instead, make a list of potential home repair professionals and check with the Better Business Bureau for complaint histories and accreditations. You can also check the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, view the business’s social media accounts for any negative reviews, or ask for recommendations on your local NextDoor.
It might seem time-consuming (especially if you’re on a tight timeline), but taking a moment to do your research before hiring a home repair professional can save you headaches down the road!
Ask For References
Once you’ve narrowed down your list or found the contractor you want to hire, ask them for references from previous jobs. If the business is unwilling or unable to provide any previous references, take this as an indication that you should reconsider. Most professionals would be happy to supply you with glowing reviews from previous customers!
License and Insurance Proof
If the contractor you’ve hired has provided you with stellar reviews, ask for proof of general liability insurance and other forms of insurance that might be vital, like worker’s compensation.
Ensuring the contractor has the appropriate insurance protects you in the event of a worker becoming injured while on your property. You can also ask for proof that subcontractors are licensed and insured, and for proof of clean background checks to ensure the people in your home have clean records.
Get A Full Contract
Before you officially sign a contract, make sure to get in writing how long the job is estimated to take, the costs to be billed, how late payments will work, and your liability. It’s best to ask many questions before signing to clarify everything, rather than later when the job is half done and running behind schedule.
Depending on the size and duration of the job, consider having the contract reviewed by a lawyer. This can help you ensure the legality of the contract and anything else that should be added before the job officially begins.
We know how heartbreaking and stressful it can be to watch your home be destroyed by fire, accident, or natural disaster. At SFM Insurance, we can help you find the right home insurance coverage for your family. Contact us for a free, no-obligation discussion about protecting your assets today. For more tips and our latest updates, visit us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn!
