Interior Design Factory, Ltd.

 Hiring a Contractor

• Always get multiple bids.
• Ask people you know who have recently completed a similar project for the name of their contractor. 
• Ask contractor for referrals of clients with similar projects if you don’t know of anyone.
• Ask potential contractors about their ability to complete projects on time and on budget.
• Get bid in writing with specifics, don't accept verbal quotes.
• Get contract in writing with projected completion dates.
• Be specific about how you would like the work area to be at the end of each day if you are living in the home where work is being done – but be realistic.
• Prepare a written scope of work with as much detail as you can.  If you know the specific sink you want include the model number.  If you want a specific molding profile, say so.  This helps the contractors to all bid accurately.
• Ask if they have their own employees or sub-contract the work.
• Ask to see their certificate of insurance.

Contractors you don’t want to hire:

• Lowest bid, unless it is less than 10% different than the next highest bid.
• Tells you rather than listens and asks a lot of questions.
• Prefaces most answers to your request with, “well it will cost a lot more to…”.  This usually indicates they work in a “cookie cutter” format and do not like change.
• Says they can’t do what you are asking without offering a viable alternative.
• Doesn’t ask you what your budget is.
• Is late for your interview without calling in advance.
• Does not bill regularly.  You want a contractor to bill you with some specific timing (weekly, monthly, every 10 days) so you can budget your expenditures.  This also shows they are a professional and can manage money.

Your part of the deal is:

• Pay the contractor on time.
• Do not "hold-back" money until you get what you want, agree on a payment schedule and stick to it.  This kills the trust and if you can't trust your contractor and they can't trust you...
• Be reasonable with your expectations and outline any requirements you have up front about start times, garbage clean-up, job site expectations, radios, food, etc.
• Don't ask for a "deal" because of the economy.  Everyone needs work.  If a contractor has to cut his price he has to cut the service he provides.  
• Treat the contrator and their workers with respect.  If they do a good job tell them.  If there was something you would like different, say so while they can make a change.  Contractors want you to be happy with their work and happy at the end of the job, bring up issues before they get out of hand.
• If you have pets, they are your responsibility not a work around for the contractor.  Remember to keep them away from work areas or put them in a room where the contractors are not located.  Contractors are not pet-sitters.

Interior Design Factory, Ltd.

Lisa Smith - Interior Designer, IIDA Associate