What I Wish I'd Known Before I Hired a Contractor

If you're a homeowner like me, there always seem to be a million things to do around the house. Whether it's updating your home by adding a new patio, fixing a leaky faucet, or replacing your water heater-the list never ends!

While I'm an avid DIY-er there are some things I just don't trust myself to do, like concrete, major electrical wiring, and major plumbing. Maybe you struggle with appliance repairs or organization. Whatever you need to hire a contractor for, here are the top 3 things I wish I'd known before I hired one.

1. Hidden Fees

Not all contractors charge the same way. Do your homework and call the contractor before the estimate. Does he charge a trip fee? Is it extra if he has to run to a home improvement store for materials and supplies? Does he charge hourly or by the job? Is the estimate free? What is the minimum rate the contractor charges? Some contractors charge a minimum that is the equivalent of 2 hours of work even if your project takes less than 2 hours. Be aware of possible change-orders and don't always assume the cheapest estimate is the best estimate. Don't be afraid to shop around and tell him you'll call him back if you're interested in hiring him for the job.

2. A Timeline

Contractors are usually juggling multiple jobs at once. Yours may not be the top priority if it is a small job or you're a new client. Align your expectations with the contractor from the start. How long will the job take? What days will he be there to complete it? Is there a curing or drying period? Decide on a deadline that you need the job done by so there isn't a possibility for it to drag on forever if another job takes priority over yours.

3. Satisfaction Guarantee

Everyone has their horror stories and I'm no different. When finishing my backyard, I hired an in-law (who was a general contractor) to complete a concrete path. Not only did they pour the concrete when the forecast said rain the next day, ruining the concrete, but they then asked me to pay for more materials to cover the cost of their mistake!

In the construction industry (and most product and materials industries) there are 3 parts of any job or service: price, quality, and time. In all business, you can only pick 2 of the corners. It is impossible to obtain all three.

Credit:kevinharrisarchitect.com/iron-triangle/

I learned my lesson to ask more questions ahead of time (and not hire my in-laws)! At Nikd Enterprises, our contractors will always give you straight-forward pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our contractors aim to do the job right the first time, every time. Call today for a free estimate: 801-872-4509