You’ve already determined that hiring a local company to perform your home’s exterior improvement project is important but you’re still unsure of which local company to hire. Rather than blindly pick just any local company listed in the phone book, do your research to choose which local company is the right one to perform the job for you.
Here are some tips on what to look for when hiring a local contractor for an exterior home improvement project:
1. Research Their Reputation
When researching local companies, it’s important to pay close attention to the company’s reputation. These three things can help:
· Customer Testimonials and Reviews
The best indicators of quality workmanship are actual customer experiences and feedback. On the company’s website they should have a testimonial section, or you can also search third party resources for feedback, reviews, and ratings left by people in your community.
· Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating
The Better Business Bureau database exists to help consumers find local, reputable service providers by publicizing any complaints against the company, whether they are current or resolved.
· Location
Watch out for door to door contractors or fly-by-night solicitors as they’re sometimes referred to. Well established companies will operate out of a fixed, local location. If an exterior home improvement company hands you a P.O. box, request a physical address from them as well.
2. Verify Company Credentials
Reputable, established local companies should be covered by two types of insurance:
· General Liability
General liability protects your home if the contractor causes damage, like during a roof or siding installation for example.
· Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation protects the contractors and their workers should they get injured while completing work on your property and also protects the homeowner from being held liable for any injury related costs.
3. Get a Written Estimate
It’s important to always get the details of the job, including costs, materials, labor, and timelines in writing. In addition to securing your investment, this will help you sort through and assess competing quotes to determine which local company is best equipped for the job.
4. Secure a Warranty
Reputable companies pride themselves on their workmanship and will offer warranties to back up and guarantee their services. As you’re collecting quotes, make sure to ask for a copy of the workmanship warranty and the manufacturers’ warranty for the products you’re interested in.
It’s also important to keep in mind that improper installation on certain products might void the warranty, which is why it’s so imperative to only hire an experienced and reputable exterior home improvement company to perform the job. Contractors who sell quality materials often have to be certified by the manufacturer to install their products, and hiring a company that isn’t certified by the manufacturer could void any product warranties you think you have.
5. Don’t Make a Decision Based on Price
While it might be tempting to pick the company with the lowest quote, the cheapest price doesn’t always mean that it’s the best choice. While comparing quotes, base your decision on the contractor’s reputation and workmanship, and remind yourself this is an investment. The results should add some value to your home, and home improvement projects that increase your property value are worth a little splurge.
6. Watch Out for Red Flags
There are certain ways to avoid a bad contractor, but only if you know what signs to look out for. While you’re researching local companies be on the lookout for any of these things, and if you experience them it’s best to keep on looking:
- They make unsolicited visits or phone calls to your home.
- Offer to use leftover materials from a previous job at a discounted price.
- Don’t have a local brick and mortar address.
- Fail to provide proof of valid insurance or credentials and don’t offer you a written estimate with the scope of the project outlined.
- Promise to give you a big discount, but won’t give you a price estimate.
- Refuse to give you references.
- Relies on high pressure sales tactics, such as only offering you certain discounts if you sign a contract with them right now.
Armorvue Home Exteriors knows what it takes to get the job done right, and we have a high standard for customer service. It’s no accident we have been thriving in this community for decades. Our attention to detail and expert installers have made us an industry leader in this area and we’d love to talk to you about your exterior home improvement plans. Contact us today for a virtual appointment to get started!
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