10 Tips on Hiring and Working with a Contractor
Thinking of enclosing a porch, fixing an
old bathroom or maybe adding a room? Follow these 10 tips as you hire a building contractor.
Look for experience. First, you'll want to select a contractor with direct experience in the type of project you have in mind. While a busy professional might not answer his phone himself during the day, or return phone calls immediately, the time and effort he takes in communicating with you may show his attention to details and desire to please.
Don't be shy about asking
for references from satisfied customers or other professionals in
related building trades.
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Talk to at least 2 contractors. If at all possible, get price bids (quotes) from at least two contractors. Ask questions, lots of questions. Compare knowledge, quality of work, responsiveness to requests for information about materials and alternatives in style and design.
Search for a licensed home improvement contractor - The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses home improvement contractors in the state. You can also file complaints against a contractor at their website.
Check for customer complaints - Call 410-230-6309 or
1-888-218-5925. Ask if complaints have been filed against a contractor and
whether they have been resolved or are still open.
Don't be offended if the contractor protects his business by
inquiring about your credit-worthiness and ability to pay.
Fees you can expect. It is reasonable for the contractor to include
charges such as:
- a 10% surcharge above actual
costs for materials;
- a small fee for a credit
check;
- interest or finance charges
if payments are not received on schedule; as well as
- attorneys' fees and
collection costs if full payment is not received. See including options
other than a lawsuit for
resolving disputes.
Decide how to resolve disputes. Before any work begins, ask how you might resolve a dispute that continues beyond a few days and exceeds a certain amount of money. Will the contractor agree to submit the dispute to a mediator, sharing the costs with you, according to pre-arranged proportions? Get this promise in writing. More on resolving disputes
Always put changes in writing. If the contractor promises something, ask to have it in writing. Or write up the promised item yourself and ask the builder to initial your writing. The best way is to add it to the written contract. More on home improvement contracts. If both of you sign the change, it is clear that you both agree. This makes it a binding contract that you can enforce.
When to consider a review by an attorney. If the project costs exceed
an amount you consider large (and definitely for jobs over $10,000)
consider having the contract reviewed by an attorney. In Maryland, many
lawyers can review a simple contract for $100-$200. This is worth the
price to avoid much greater expenses if problems should arise later on. More information on
finding an attorney.
Read the fine print!
Source: Suzanne Hood, attorney at law, Easton, MD, with editing by MLAN.
Last date legal review
02/25/08
(PLL/M.A.J.)
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advice? This site offers legal information, not legal advice. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and to clearly explain your options. However we do not provide legal advice - the application of the law to your individual circumstances. For legal advice,
you should consult an attorney. See our section on Finding Legal Help.
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