Choosing a Contractor for Your Old House Project
Planning a big home improvement project? Need help with a small repair? No matter the size or scope of what you’re looking to do, identifying and securing the right kind of help is very important. With an old building, you need someone who understands how they are put together and the range of repair, rehabilitation, and restoration approaches to consider. While every situation will require different considerations, we’ve put together some helpful tips to keep in mind when choosing the right contractor for your old house project.
What to Look for When Considering Who to Work With
What type of professional do you need?
So you’ve decided to hire a professional to help you with your project. Do you need an architect? What kind of contractors? Are you looking for someone with a specialty in a specific area? You’re trusting others with your building, time, and money. Choosing the right person for the job is key, so taking the time to consider what specific skills you need for the job will help you narrow the search.
Referrals are your friend.
Did someone you know recently have a home improvement project done? Ask them about it! Your friends and neighbors are a good source of recommendations both for professionals they liked working with as well as for tips on who to avoid. You can also ask for referrals from preservation organizations like the N.H. Preservation Alliance. Our staff is here to point you in the direction and our online Directory of Preservation Products & Services lists vetted preservation professionals in New Hampshire and the surrounding region.
Check out their online presence.
Visiting a potential hire’s website should be one of your first stops when narrowing down your search. On it you can often find photos of past projects, contact information, and client testimonials. Do they have a Facebook or Instagram page where you can see examples of their past work? Sometimes you can also find online reviews on sites like Google or HomeAdvisor.
Please note however, there are currently many skilled contractors that don’t have a large online presence. This is when you should rely more heavily on our other tips.
Location, location, location.
Where is your candidate based? The person you’re looking to hire might only cover a specific geographic area so it’s worth it to find this out before spending your time on them. Additionally, if they are located quite a distance away, it may affect the timeline of your project getting done. So when doing your research, it’s important to keep in mind if they seem like a good geographical match.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Hiring someone is an important undertaking, you want to make sure they are the right fit for you and for the job. In the heat of the moment it can be hard to remember everything you want to ask, so be sure to sit down prior to speaking to your potential hire and make a list of the items you want to discuss. To get you started we’ve put together some questions to ask to help choose a good match for you and your project:
How long have you been in business? The longer the company has been in business, the more experience they have gained. However, do not rely on this question alone, as there are many highly skilled newly-established businesses.
Is your company a full-service or specialty firm? For a complicated repair, you may need a specialist. For simpler work, general services may be sufficient.
What is your approach to a project of this scope? This answer should reveal the contractor’s preservation philosophy and his or her level of familiarity with projects such as yours. This also helps you hear how well the prospective contractor understands your goals.
What is the timetable for this project? Make sure you know when the job will start, how long the job is expected to take as well as what hours the crew will work.
Will you be working on site, overseeing your crew, and/or hiring subcontractors? Also ask how many people will be working on this project, and how they are employed. Many professionals rely on subcontractors, while others have a variety of laborers under their constant employ. If there are subcontractors, who is responsible for them?
Can they provide any references? Request a list of three or more references for projects like yours. Ask the references if they were satisfied with the outcome, what they would do differently next time, and would they use the contractor again.
As to see proof of state workman’s compensation coverage and liability insurance certificate. It’s also a good idea to speak to your own insurance agent about your project.
Will a permit be required for this project? Most cities and towns require permits for building projects. You’ll want to check with your town and if a permit or other paperwork is required, decide with your contractor who is in charge of securing the appropriate permissions before you begin.
Get Off to A Good Start
Many contractors are booked our for months, or even a year or two. You might have to wait to start your project. Ask what steps you can take while you wait, and make sure you schedule yourself a few check-ins with the contractor to be in touch and make sure the timetable sticks.
As you get started, clarify who is your main contact and how to best communicate during the project. Some people rely on texting; others want to talk early or late in the day. A regular schedule of meetings can also keep things on track.
Above all, make sure you are comfortable with the person you plan on hiring. Whether a project is simple or complex, good communication and trust are important ingredients.