1 – Willingly Provides Requested Information
A good contractor understands the importance of trust and will willingly provide references, licenses and proof of insurance upon request. The contractor will also obtain the required permits and inspections to ensure that your project is completed according to industry standards and the applicable building codes.
2 – Provides Written Estimate
Your contractor should provide you with a detailed, written estimate that describes the scope of the project including the costs of labor and supplies. Ideally, the prices will be broken down in such a way that you know exactly how much each part of the project will cost. This written estimate will help your project go smoothly and minimize the chance you’ll be faced with unexpected costs.
3 – Doesn’t Ask for Upfront Payment
Of course your contractor needs to get paid, but good contractors typically only ask for a percentage of money up front. They don’t require the full payment until the project has been completed.
4 – Upholds Contractual Agreement
A trustworthy contractor will rely on the contract and use only the materials and supplies that are written in the contract. If those materials are unavailable for some reason, a good contractor will contact you to find a suitable replacement. They will not attempt to substitute lower-quality goods without your approval.
5 – Respectful of Property and Ground Rules
You know you have a good contractor if he or she is respectful of the property and any rules you’ve established. They will abide by your requests for workspace and time, including the hours they work, where they should go to the bathroom, and how much they need to clean up after themselves each day.
6 – Communication Is Key
Don’t underestimate the importance of communication. Good contractors understand they need to communicate regularly and in an easy to understand way when meeting a client’s expectations. They are willing to answer any questions you have about the project. If an unexpected issue arises, they will contact you immediately and discuss the options.
