4 Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Contractor for Your Spring Project

Now that you’ve planned your spring projects, it’s time to hire a contractor. This professional is responsible for bringing your vision to life, so it’s crucial to hire the right person for the job. Consider these four tips for hiring a contractor to help ensure a stress-free experience with a positive outcome for your spring projects:

1. Clearly Define the Project

Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and discuss this with your contractor before commencing the project. Making changes after work has begun can cause a ripple effect and slow progress. If you are making exterior renovations, it’s essential to visualize your project to see how the final result incorporates your chosen materials and colours. Use the Gentek Visualizer tool to see your home with different siding, replacement windows, and front door combinations before making a final decision. 

2. Have a Budget with Wiggle Room

Create a detailed budget, including contingency funds to cover unexpected costs from issues that may arise throughout your spring project. To help determine labor costs, obtain estimates from multiple contractors to find the best deal on the highest quality of work that won’t blow your budget. Once work has begun, be sure to track your spending throughout the project to help prevent overspending.  

3. Consider Experience & Connections

Do your research to ensure you hire a professional with proper accreditations, a desirable portfolio, and several credible references. Also be sure you only agree to a comprehensive contract that excludes you from liability. If your project incorporates multiple components, your contractor will likely have a network of tradespeople they recommend. Use their plumbing and electrical colleagues to your advantage before hiring additional subcontractors. 

4. Manage Your Expectations 

Make sure you and your contractor are on the same page about work ethic, communication, and project deadlines. Ask him or her to keep you in the loop on progress, and keep in mind some things will be outside your contractor’s control such as supply issues, permit application processing times, and the weather. 

Now that you know what to look for when hiring a contractor for your spring project, be aware of easy mistakes and how to avoid them.