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With Spring just around the corner, now might be when some will be looking at hiring a contractor for projects done at home.
But Lisa Shiller with the Better Business Bureau says you don’t just want to blindly hire someone without doing research first.
She said on WOMT’s Be My Guest program that trade workers like electricians might prefer general contract work, meaning they might work on a project that takes a couple of days rather than one that takes a day.
She also says if you’re unsure where to start, ask people you know.
She described, “Ask friends and neighbors or family members and learn which general contractors might be able to help you best with your project.”
Shiller also explains that you’ll probably have to pay more than you think for your project because of the current job market.
If you do hire a contractor, make sure there is a paper contract with everything discussed about the project, including a start and end date.
“And remember, don’t pay in full and don’t pay upfront,” she stated. “I would recommend on behalf of the BBB not to pay in cash. Always try to pay, especially for big projects, with a credit card should you run into a problem later. That will give you the most assistance down the road should you need it.”
More information about contractor scams can be found at BBB.org, but Shiller also recommends seeing if a contractor is with the National Homebuilders Association and the National Association for the Remodeling Industry.
Lastly, it’s important not to feel pressured to hire someone if you’re uncomfortable because you don’t want to hire someone and regret that decision later.
