While you are determining if a contractor is right for you and your project, there are a few things to think about. Here are some assessment points and red flags to watch out for.
Did the contractor arrive on time? Are they effective and timely with their communications?
✅ This is important to keep in mind when moving forward. They should be present and ready to answer questions for you and follow up with further research when necessary.
🚩 If your contractor is late without contacting you or impossible to get a hold of, this might be a red flag about their communication style. If this is something you value, you might want to reassess the partnership.
Is the contractor professional, accountable and presentable?
✅ Your contractor should be able to share their background, certifications, insurance/warranty statements, and more.
🚩 If a contractor refuses to share this information with you, do not proceed with them!
Would you trust them at your house if you weren’t there?
✅ Contractors are there to get the job done, but also to work closely with you and ensure you're feeling good about the project.
🚩 If you won't be home during the install of your design, go with your instincts here.
Are they respectful and informative?
✅ Contractors are experts, but they should feel like a partner. You should be able to speak openly with them on pricing and budget ballparks, as well as gauge priorities.
🚩 If the contractor is unwilling to answer questions or is condescending, they probably aren't the best choice if you're looking for more of a collaborative relationship.
Can the contractor answer estimate, material, and execution questions on the spot?
✅ Speaking about each of these things should be second nature for your contractor, and they should be able to communicate with you and help educate you on the project with their industry knowledge. They can also steer the conversation in a collaborative way.
🚩 If the contractor refuses to create an estimate for you or talk through your ideas, it's best to move on and find a more collaborative partner.
Can they help make any necessary changes and create updated estimates?
✅ Contractors can work with you to markup your CAD plans and reflect any collaboration or changes you agree on. 1-2 weeks to create an estimate is common, 3 days is great.
🚩 It is a big red flag if the contractor is unwilling to make changes to suit your needs, or needs more than 2 weeks to give you an estimate.
One final tip!
Keep in mind when meeting with your contractor, they are typically not compensated for any of this time and are looking into their personal schedule. Be as respectful and efficient with their time as you can. Contractors are also in high demand more and more, and as such, most good contractors can be booked 2-4 months in advance. Think of your contractor as a collaborative partner, not a commoditized service provider.
If you need anything during this process, Yardzen is here to help! Please don't hesitate to give us feedback on your contractor experience or ask us for more advice on choosing a contractor. You can reach us through chat or at build-support@yardzen.com.