Exterior home improvement is a process you may not be familiar with until it comes time to replace or upgrade materials on your home. Even then, there is a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your individual needs. Therefore, it is vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you. The key is to find the right contractor for your job.  

How to find a reputable, qualified, professional

Finding a qualified contractorcan can be difficult. 
When the time comes to repair or replace or install new materials there is a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your individual needs. 
Therefore, it is vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good, professional advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you. The key is to find the right contractor for your job.


1.) Referrals are the best place to start. Ask a neighbor or friend who recently had work done about his contractor and if he was happy with the outcome. 

2.) The second best place to seek out a qualified contractor is to go to your local building distributor or lumber yard dealer and ask them. We are not referring to the large home centers or retail store chains, but rather the professional material distributor who works with reputable contractors on a regular basis. 

 

Interview the contractor

The most important thing to do when looking for a qualified professional is to interview two or three different contractors, whether they are referrals or from the yellow pages. You cannot choose a qualified contractor by looking at an estimate and comparing prices.

Allow yourself adequate time to interview them. If they will not show up to your house and meet with you disregard that company.

Remember anyone can go to the wholesale house or distributor and buy home improvement products. You are paying to have the service of installing the products professionally and correctly

Ask for eight to ten references, meaning jobsite locations or names of homeowners, from each contractor you interview.
Ask for proof of proper insurance. The qualified professional should carry comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you in the event of an accident. If they cannot provide the proper license and insurance do not hire them!

 

The following are additional points to consider in evaluating contractors:

Repeat business in nearby area

Length of time in business

Willingness and ability to handle complaints quickly and fairly

Completeness and professionalism of estimate offered and presentation given.

Make judgments based on the quality and number of jobsite photos shown. These should include: 
Names, phone numbers, and completion dates, number of references offered, proposal provided, etc.
Do not base professionalism on the sole criteria of having a legible business card.

Membership in professional associations

Knowledge and thoroughness of procedures.

Carries state and local licenses

Willingness to stand behind his work. A qualified contractor will warrant his workmanship. This is in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty.

Do not consider any bids from contractors you have not met or interviewed. Check with your city hall or local chamber of commerce if you are unsure.

We hope these tips will help you in selecting a qualified contractor.