Hiring the Right Basement Contractor To Do The Job Right

Before you decide to hire a professional basement contractor, you must first take into consideration the project you want to achieve and the budget you need to maintain. Without setting a proper budget you may end up spending way too much money. 

 

It is best to stick to a tight budget. Tight budgets help meet your needs and help you make the best decisions when it comes to purchasing the building materials, fixtures, flooring and lighting. Most building products have a wide price range and by setting a strict budget it will help you stay on track when making the tough buying decisions. 

 

 

It is hard enough to find a reliable and qualified basement contractor, but it is well worth your time and energy to check into a contractor’s credentials. Just like operating a motor vehicle, there is a certain bit of training, skill and experience one should have. In the end, this important step will prevent you from becoming a victim of an inexperienced, dishonest, unqualified, and uninsured basement contractor.

 

Take a lot of time with each individual contractor you meet. The more time you spend with the contractor the more apt you’ll see who you feel the most comfortable with and who is the most qualified to perform the job. Be sure to pay close attention to the little things like who shows up on time, who has a good attitude and who is prepared to see your vision. 

 

If a basement contractor misses an appointment or shows up late for an appointment, this may be an indication of the behavior you can expect from them when working in your home. 

 

During the process of selecting the right basement contractor it is a good idea to ask to see a license and insurance and bonding information. All three of these items are put into place to protect homeowners from fraud. Working with a basement contractor who doesn’t have a proper license or insurance information may save you a little money, but it also may come back to haunt you. A good basement contractor will have no problem showing you these documents when they present you with your written estimate. 

 

After you have given it a lot of thought and set a strict budget, it is best to get three written estimates from three basement contractors. Make sure the estimate is complete, including time and materials. 

 

Now, you’ll be able to compare the prices and make the best possible decision for your basement project. 

 

 

Always be sure the estimate is complete, including all costs for time and materials. The biggest mistake homeowners make is getting a written estimate on the back of a business card. This is a sure sign of a bad contractor. 

 

 

Always check to see if there are any testimonials online. These will be positive and/or negative and could prove quite helpful in determining whether you’re going to give the contractor a chance. Feel free to ask the contractor about the testimonials you’ve read. See if they can professionally respond! Also, ask the contractor if they have any previous customers who you can contact.

 

Ask your friends and family members if they’ve heard of the contractors you’re interviewing for the job. Note everything they have to say. 

 

If you choose to be more aggressive you can request the names, addresses and phone numbers of their last three jobs. This will provide you with a complete and more realistic overview of the basement contractors daily work habits, skills and abilities. 

 

 

In one word, yes! The basement contractor should always provide you with a timeline for the completion of the project. A timeline will ensure the project is completed in a timely fashion. Although unexpected issues can and do sometimes occur, the contractor should immediately speak with you and provide a new anticipated deadline.

 

 

Always know who you are dealing with and if they are trained, skilled and qualified to perform the job you desire. It may take a little extra time, but in the end it will be well worth the wait.

 

Contact the expert’s at Clarke’s Northern Basement Systems for information about their experience, credentials, references, and to schedule a free estimate for basement waterproofing in Vermont.