Selecting the right contractor for the job.



When embarking on extensive home renovations, the services of a contractor are invaluable. Contractors coordinate the moving parts in complicated building and remodeling processes. They find and manage subcontractors, deal with payments to vendors, work with an architect if needed, purchase materials, and in general act as much-needed guides through the complex process of home building or remodeling. While contractors are easy to find, you want a good contractor—one who is not only legitimate, fair-dealing, and honest but one who is easy to work with and will carry your creative vision through to completion. Finding a contractor who is well-suited to both you and your project is key to the successful completion of the job.





It's not always about the lowest price...



Rule number one: Never, ever feel pressured into signing on with anyone, unless you are 100% comfortable with the offer. Pressure is a sure red flag that something may be wrong with the deal.


Choosing the right contractor can be a confusing process. Without knowing the right questions to ask, it may just come down to who has the lowest price. Often times, this can be the worst choice, as the lowest price could mean corners are being cut, low-end materials, less-skilled labor or insufficient or total lack of insurance. Let's have a better look at what aspects to look for, and the traits to steer clear of:


  1. The contractor must be licensed in your jurisdiction, be it a village, city or town. Don't just ask. Request to see a copy. In Nassau County, you can do a license search at https://apex5.nassaucountyny.gov/ords/f?p=288:500:::NO
  2. The contractor must be insured. Not only liability insurance, but disability and worker's compensation. These added insurances will protect you if any of the contractor's workers are injured on the job.
  3. Clean record. There should be no unresolved complaints with the local department of consumer affairs.
  4. Responsive and punctual
  5. Listens to your ideas and provides good feedback.
  6. Provides written estimates with clear details about the scope of work.
  7. All work is accompanied with written contracts.
  8. Ask about what hidden surprises to expect. Any extra work should should only be authorized in writing.
  9. In these days of COVID-19, it's also important to ask what measures the contractor is taking to protect his workers and your family.

Watch for the warning signs:

  1. Contractor licensing abnormalities
  2. Habitually late or doesn't return calls
  3. Avoids permits, zoning, and building codes
  4. Speaks poorly of clients or associates
  5. Numerous lawsuits against the contractor




The process of finding a contractor...



Define Your Project:

Before contacting any contractor, begin by defining the project in precise terms. For example, if you wish to build a house addition, drill further down into specifics that will help match the perfect contractor to this job. Is it meant to be a small addition such as a room bump-out? Or are you planning on a full-scale addition with bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas? General contractors have areas of special expertise or interest that are often apparent when you research portfolios, photo galleries, and before-and-after images. The contractor may have a website featuring this information or third-party sites may feature the contractor, as well.


Online Contractor Matching Services:

Online contractor-matching services can be reliable sources of contractors for homeowners, with algorithms that precisely match contractors with potential projects. Matching services often have a wealth of information about contractors on their service, including criminal background checks, license verification, client reviews, and photos.


Recommendations from Neighbors and Friends:

Word-of-mouth recommendations from a trusted source is an excellent way to find a good contractor. Begin with family, friends, or neighbors who have used a contractor recently for advice about the contractor that they hired.


Signs of a Good Contractor:

At a minimum, a good contractor will have a reasonably clean record with state and local licensing boards. If there is a record, negative matters are not extensive or of a troubling nature, and all matters have been closed out. Checking online, do you see that a contractor is involved in an unusually large number of lawsuits? Because of the nature of their business, contractors often are the subject of lawsuits. So the fact that a contractor has been involved in lawsuits should not be viewed as a red flag. Outstanding demands on a contractor's bond will usually be available on state and local licensing sites. At your meetings, the contractor should be attentive and listen when you describe your goals. The meeting is a dialogue, with each side freely and equally trading ideas. The contractor does not have to agree with everything you say in fact, one value of hiring a contractor is that you are paying for their experience. A good contractor will be forthright about all regulatory matters associated with your project: building codes, permits, inspections, and zoning. These issues are a major part of any extensive build or remodel. While it is acceptable for a contractor to verbally give you non-binding cost estimates, any firm cost estimate should always be written and signed.


Contractor Red Flags:

State licensing boards maintain publicly viewable lists of contractor licenses And let you know if they are in good standing. Off and you can see details about administrative actions taken against contractors. Online contractor-matching services usually have a background screening service that contractors must pass in order to be accepted into the system. If the contractor is part of the matching service and in good standing, you can be assured that. The contractor has passed that minimum level of screening. Contractors often are busy people, juggling many balls at the same time. So arriving late at an appointment or even missing one is not the ultimate black mark against that person. However, if the contractor is habitually late to preliminary appointments or does not return phone calls, you can be certain that the contractor will continue the same habits after you have hired that person. Contractors who bad-mouth clients, vendors, subcontractors, or employees, especially during your early conversations, should be avoided. The word contract is part of contractor. So if you have a contractor who wants to proceed without written agreements between the both of you, this is a major red flag. Other than early introductory meetings, your relationship should be one that is defined by a contract signed by both of you. In fact, during the process of building, all variations to the contract should be in the form of change orders. Contractors who show up at your door unsolicited often are running scams for roofing, driveway, and siding repairs. Such door-to-door contractors may say that they have leftover materials that they are willing to use on your property. You should always seek out the contractor and not the other way around.
Other resources:
Nassau County Dept. of Consumer Affairs: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3350/Consumer-Resources

Suffolk County Dept. of Consumer Affairs: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs

NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-complaint.page