A home improvement project in London that goes wrong can cost you heavily. While renovating a room or adding another is crucial, hiring the right contractor for the job is equally important. A catchy ad may not be the best proof that a contractor can give quality services. If your house requires urgent repairs, you need to take the time to choose the perfect contractor for the job. Here are valuable tips to help you hire a good contractor:

Engage a professional architect

Before setting out to look for a contractor, you to find out exactly what the contractor would be expected to accomplish. Consequently, you will require the services of a professional architect or designer who will help you draw a comprehensive plan of what you want to do with your space. Engaging a contractor without a detailed plan may cost you as the contractor may include unnecessary changes so as to inflate the cost.

Interview your prospective contractor

Your project may take the contractor quite some time to complete. It implies that you are going to be in close contact with the contractor for the duration of the project. You need someone you trust and who is going to be easy to keep in. Consequently, you will have to hold an interview with your preferred contractor in order establish their interpersonal skills as well as their qualification and experience.

Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured

Bob Peterson, the chairman of the NAHB Remodelers Council, avers that license and insurance are sufficient proof of credibility and knowledge on the part of the contractor. A license shows that the contractor has been certified by the relevant authorities to carry out their trade. Insurance, on the other hand, safeguards you against possible expenses should a worker get hurt while on duty. Before hiring a contractor, ensure they are duly licensed and insured.

Study the contractor’s job history

You may get referrals from friends and family, but you will need to dig into the contractor’s previous work before hiring them. Ask about their past projects and personally, visit and inspect them to ascertain their quality. If their past work is perfect, and their previous clients have no complaints about them, then you will possibly get a good deal.

Sign a contract before commencement of the work

Once you have found a good contractor, do not allow them to begin working on the project before signing up a detailed contract. A contract shows that an agreement is in place, minimizing chances of controversies in the course of the project. The contract must clearly indicate the expected costs, timelines, type of items to be used and a set of drawings being used.

Know who is doing the job

For extensive projects, your contractor may need to sub-contract other contractors. It is important to know who will be showing up at your home to avoid confusion. Let your contractor give you all the details of any subcontractor they may wish to engage.

When you need to add a room to your house, or renovate the cellar, be sure to get a good contractor perfect for the job. Interview the contractor and get to know if they are licensed and insured. Find out if their past jobs are up to standard and whether they will be subcontracting.

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