6 Things Owners and Managers Need to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

Finding the right contractor to perform quality work on time can be a challenge for many California property managers or business owners. It may also be a good idea to contact the Better Business Bureau for more information. Before you hire a contractor, make the following checklist part of your decision process. Remember, your business insurance will not cover the liability from a contractor’s negligence.

• Have a clear scope of work. This will allow the contractor to better understand your requirements.
• Get more than one bid. However, don't necessarily jump at the lowest bid. Our surveys have shown that people who hired the lowest bidder generally got poorer work.
• Do not rush the process. It might be good to meet with the contractor a number of times to make sure they are a good fit.
• Be cautious about getting big discounts on materials. Sometimes this can lead to poorer quality materials.
• If a contractor offers a discount, be careful; they may be cutting corners. It may be better to offer an incentive if the project comes in on budget and on time.
• It is common for a contractor to ask for 10% up front, but be careful. While some projects require a large initial payment to cover a deposit for products like cabinets or special-order ceramic tile, this doesn’t apply to commodity materials like roofing and lumber, which a legitimate contractor will usually purchase on account with at least 30 days to pay.

Without a doubt, this is a tough market. And when times are tough, you need the best. You need Leap / Carpenter / Kemps Insurance Agency. As Merced County’s largest locally owned agency, Leap / Carpenter / Kemps has access to policies that other agencies just can’t write.