By Rick Schlueter, Building Inspector

My Contractor

When you are investing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars into a building project, it seems odd to hire somebody you don’t know and trust. The problem is many of us do not know a good contractor. The reality is they’re everywhere. The problem is telling “the wheat from the weeds” so to speak.

How can you know you are hiring a good contractor? Here are a few tips.

Use “My Contractor”
One Community member walked into my office and said, “I would like to introduce you to my contractor.” It was obvious these two had a good relationship. You could almost see the trust they had established.

This is the best situation: use a contractor you have an established relationship with. You have worked with them successfully before. You have a good line of communication. You trust their pricing structure because you get other bids, and “my contractor” is always fairly priced.

Use “Your Contractor”
The next best scenario is to find a contractor who has worked successfully with a family or friend. Personal references are usually reliable because trusted friends would never recommend a contractor they would not use themselves.

Use a “Reputable Contractor”
There are literally hundreds of quality contractors out there. Finding a “reputable contractor” is a third option. This takes more work up front because you need to build a relationship and trust with the contractor, and this takes time and research. Here are a few things that will help determine if this is the contractor for you.

• License: A contractor’s license can be checked against the State’s database for complaints and disciplinary actions.
• Insurance: Ask for proof well before signing any contracts for any projects lasting longer than six months. You should have yourself named as an additional insured.
• Longevity and Stability: A minimum of five years in business, but 10 years is better. An established business with at least a home office. Beware of “pick up” contractors whose office consists exclusively of the front seat of their pick up truck.
• Experience: Contractor has experience in the field of work you are considering, e.g., if you are planning a log home, the contractor should be a specialist or be affiliated with a specialist in that field.
• Scope: Larger projects can easily put a contractor “in over their head.” Make sure the contractor has handled the scope of your project in the past. A “deck building” contractor is not the same as a “home builder.”
• Price: No matter if it is “my contractor,” “your contractor,” or a “reputable contractor,” get additional bids. This is good information and keeps everybody at the top of their game.

We Can Help
The Building Inspection Department can help with contractor information, reputation, and license checks. Call us, and we’ll help review your contractor’s information. Maybe someday you’ll be able to say “I’d like to introduce you to my contractor.”

Do you have a specific building related question or need help? Stay tuned here or call the Building Inspection Department at 952-496-6135 or 952-496-6159.