Choosing the right contractor is the most important part of starting any project. Choose the wrong one and you could end up with extra expenses, poor or unsafe work, injuries, or even trouble with the law. That’s why you should do everything in your power to thoroughly vet any contractor you’re thinking of going with and go way beyond recommendations or a good deal. Here are some of the signs that you should be looking for in a good Mississauga contractor.
They Aren’t Eerily Available all the Time
Great contractors are pretty scarce, and if they are great, chances are they’ll be busy at least sometimes. So, if the contractor is just too accessible and answers with “anytime” if you’re trying to book them, then this could be a red flag. Good contractors will usually have tight schedules and you’ll most likely have to work on their time, not yours.
If you’re looking for a reputable renovation contractor in Mississauga, services like RenoAssistance will give you access to 360° verified contractors throughout the greater GTA area.
They Seem Enthusiastic About the Project
Another thing you want to avoid is a jaded contractor who’s simply trying to clock in and out. They’ll often do uninspired work and are also less likely to tell you when one of your decisions could be bad for you, as long as they can get paid. Someone who’s enthusiastic will come with their own suggestions and will actually be a helping hand throughout the whole project. They’re much less likely to cut corners too.
They’ll have all the Paperwork and Proudly Display it
A good contractor will not be annoyed or irritated if you ask them for license documentation, insurance, and how permits will be handled. They actually welcome it. If, on the other hand, they try to dance around your questions and are vague, then look elsewhere, even if it’s for a minor job.
Hiring the wrong people could go terribly wrong for you. For instance, you could be on the hook if they don’t have insurance for their employees and one happens to injure themselves on the job. So, don’t make that mistake, and ask for all the documentation needed, at the risk of coming across as a stickler.
They Offer Reasonable Payment Terms and Quotes
A good contractor will rarely ask you for more than 10% of the job’s total cost before you hire them. So, if you see anyone asking you to pay upwards of 50% upfront for any job, chances are you’re working with a conman. And when it comes to quotes, you may be able to barter down a bit, but not by a huge amount. Quotes are supposed to be real, not how much they think they can overcharge a client. It’s actually a good sign if a contractor isn’t flexible with quotes; this shows that their quotes are based on actual facts.
Finding a good contractor is never simple, and even with these signs, a bad one could still pass through the cracks. If you want to increase your chances, you could work with a service that will connect you with pre-screened contractors.