Finding the Right Contractor
Finding the right contractor can often be like buying a new car – you know what you want but you don’t know who to go to in order to get the best deal and more importantly someone with your best interests at heart.

You may be experienced in hiring a contractor, or this may be your very first time. Whatever the case, we want to simplify the process for you by giving you some tips on selecting a contractor that will help you avoid wasting both time and money.

1. Experience
   Be sure the contractor has experience doing the type of work you want completed. If they don’t then they are doing “on the job training” with your project. This can lead to cost overruns, especially since this type of contractor generally works on “time and materials.”
   
   
2. Established Locally
   There is no guarantee when doing business with a “fly-by-night” organization. Ask how long they have been in business in the area. Watch out for people who “decide” to be a handyman. Make sure your contractor has vast experience doing what you need done. “A pick up truck, a hammer and a dog does not a handyman make!” (Michael Milford, 2003)
   
   
3. Check References
   Always check references. A good contractor will have references available for your review and be ready and willing to provide them to you.
   
   
4. Insured
   Demand a copy of the general liability insurance from the contractor and his craftsmen. A lack of insurance can lead to extra expense and a delay in the completion of your project if someone is uninsured and injured on your property, possibly leaving you liable for injuries.
   
   
5. Licensed
   Make sure your contractor works with only licensed plumbers, electricians, HVAC and other service providers and craftsmen. You can check with the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC). The Neighborhood GuyTM and Milford Construction’s license is TRCC #10089
   
   
6. Professional and Courteous
   When communicating with you, your contractor should be professional and courteous. If you feel you are being treated in a condescending fashion or your requests for service seem unimportant to them, seek another contractor. You should be able to ask your handyman/contractor any question and receive a thorough answer. Remember, the responsibility of an excellent contractor is to educate you about the services you are paying for.
   
   
7. Understands the Scope of Your Project
   If you sense that the contractor’s operation isn’t large enough to meet your repair or remodeling needs or that the contractor views the scope of your project as “too small” for their organization, do not hesitate to ask the question “Is my project within the scope of your company to complete?” If the contractor cannot give you a satisfactory answer, seek a second bid from another contractor.
   
   
8. Offers Appropriate Solutions
   During the inspection process, the contractor should discuss and clarify potential solutions for the repair or remodeling you are requesting. If the contractor tries to sell you additional services beyond the scope of what you have requested without a clear explanation why, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you don’t receive enough information to make a decision, seek input from another contractor.
   
   
9. Get Bids from More Than One Contractor – Including Us
   One of the best ways to feel secure with the selection of a contractor, is to get bids on the projects you want completed from more than one contractor - and that includes us. This way, you’ll know which contractor best suits the project, your budget, the time frame for the project and your communication style. Often times the best fit for you involves the four “P’s” - Price, Personality, Performance and Protection.
   
   
10. Better Business Bureau
    Check to see if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau. Most reputable businesses want to be affiliated with this organization and other businesses so that their good reputation becomes known.
    
    
11. Local Chamber of Commerce
    Ask if they are a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. Most successful businesses are involved in the community and interface with not only companies like themselves but other businesses as well. This is one way of discovering their reputation within the community you live in.
    
    
12. Payment
    A reputable and well-funded contractor offers a variety of payment options – Mastercard, Visa or check. If you write a check, always write a check to a company – never to an individual because that’s a recipe for disaster. And never pay cash – EVER!