Hiring services for your home need not be difficult

The time will come when you will need to hire some kind of professional services for your home needs. It may be a repair job, a legal issue, maintenance, or selling needs. Knowing how to hire these professionals and what to look for will help you have a better experience.  I will break these professionals down into 3 main sections of Financial/Legal Services, Repair/Remodel/Maintenance Services, and Design/Inspection Services.

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Home Repair/Remodel/Maintenance Services:

Building Contractor: The most complex of the contractors. Normally anytime you are building any new construction, major remodel, or a good size addition you will need a building contractor. Contractors are licensed by your state. They have to have 2 years experience and pass a state test. Some states also require up to 500 hours of class room work. Others require a specific level of business experience. Check your states regulations. Know the scoop of the project you want to complete and the range of money you are thinking of spending. Make sure to check the Better Business Bureau for any filed complaints. Make sure to get a full written contract. Check the contractors insurance and references.
 
Handyman: The most versatile of all contractors. A good handyman should be able to take on most any small project. Most handymen are only good at a few things and no so good at many others. This is why it is important to talk with at least 3 or more before hiring one to take on multiple small jobs. Handymen usually can be recommended by friends or family. You can also check www.angieslist.com or www.servicemagic.com. Handymen usually charge a flat hourly rate because the jobs are small. This should be in the range of around $25 per hour. Every state is different about licensing. My state laws read that as long as a job does not require permits and that the total cost of the job including materials does not surpass $600 total then you do not have to be licensed. Check you state rules on your state website.
 
Landscaper Contractor: Normally the only time you will hire a Landscape contractor is for a major change in the landscape or the addition of a large-scale item to the landscape. The most important point of hiring  landscapers is to know what your expectations are and what kind of price range you want to spend. Landscapers may have varied levels and types of education and backgrounds It is important to interview a few different companies to fit the fit best for your project. If you are planning a large-scale project it is good to work with an attorney to look over the contracts because a large job can run in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Lawn Care Contractor: Before hiring a lawn maintenance company you need to determine what services you want. Most reputable companies offer varied services including federalizing, detaching, seeding, limine, soil testing, cutting, incest control, weed control, aerating service, even lawn replacement. Start with either the yellow pages or online search for your area. Get at least 3 companies to come out to your home in the early spring and evaluate your grass and your specific desires of service. Make sure the company is knowledgeable and offers you a very specific plan just for your lawn. Don’t choose purely on price. If all you are having done is just scheduled mowing then a less expensive service may fit your needs well.

Plumber: When it comes to possible water damage because of improper installation or repair work it shows how important it is to hire the right plumber.  Plumbers usually specialize in repair work of new construction and remodeling work. So understanding what you need a plumber to complete is important to hiring a qualified service man. The typical fee for a plumber during normal business hours will run $50 to $70 per hour. Make sure the plumber is licensed or certified, has insurance, and guarantees their work.

Electrician: Because all electricians have to be licensed by your state this is probably one of the most qualified services of available contractor. There are 2 levels of electricians. Level 2: Master Electrician; Has completed 2 years of Journeymen training and pasted a state test. They know the state codes and can be used for the purposes of planning, designing, installing, or repairing any part of an electrical system. Level 1: Journeyman; Usually by law has to work with a master electrician. Has not yet completed the required 2 years of service. By law they are allowed to only install and repair electrical systems.

Most electricians will specialize in commercial, new construction, industrial, high voltage power supply, residential, or just repair work.

Painter: Painter are one of the most common contractors hired. Most states require painter to be licensed by the state. Lots of other types of contractors like to pass them self’s off as a painter when they are not busy. Either hire a licensed painter or for a small job a good handyman. When tackling a large project use someone who just paints. Get reference and call them about past work. If this is a large job that will cost more than $1000, contact the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints filed against your painter. Get a written contract that states exactly what the painter will do, the materials to be used and the cost of the job. Make sure to get at least a 2 year guarantee and do not give more the 15% up front. Payment plan should be in the contract.

Roofer: With so many roofing materials and options it is very important to get a roof that has skill in the style of roof you want. All reputable roofers know how to install a standard asphalt roof but not all have worked with cooper tops, metal roofs, Slate roof, Wood Single roofs, and many newer composite materials. Some places to get recommendations from are roofing supply businesses, Home Improvement stores, and Lumber Yards. Most states require roofers to hold a license. Make sure they are insured and get references. I prefer to only use medium to large size roofing companies. Make sure to get a written warranty.

Home Cleaning Services: The job that almost everyone hates can be serviced out for less than you may think. After the initial cleaning you can choose to have your home cleaned weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly. The cost average is $50 per cleaning which will take about 2 hours. I am sure you spend at least 3 to 4 times that cleaning yourself and your time is worth more than the cost of cleaning. You will have to decide if you want to hire an individual or a service. Hiring a service will cost you slightly more but the service provides screened trained cleaners, they take care of all cleaning products and equipment, and they carry insurance and pay the employees taxes. If you do hire an individual make sure that they are bonded and insured. For either, get some references and call to check them. Make sure to get what ever your agreement is in writing so both parties understand their portion of the reasonably.

HVAC Contractor: This is another service that most states require the contractors to be licensed. If you are just having general maintenance done or a repair that should be easy then you do not need to be as through about checking out the contractors. If it is time to replace and old system then do your due diligence and check out at least or more companies. This tends to be a field where prices very widely even with the same equipment. Try to use a well established company that has been in business for at least 10 years. Get references from HVAC suppliers, which can be found in the phone book. Like all other contractors, get and check references. Get a fully written contract that explains all parts of the job and what equipment will be installed and for what price.

Conclusion:

It is always important when hiring people to work in or around your home that you feel very comfortable with them. It may help to have someone else with you when you are first meeting or interviewing contractors. Do not allow any contractor to pressure you into signing any paperwork the first time you meet. Take time to read over everything and tell them you will get back to them with a decision in a few days. Do not let them use price as a leverage to get you to sign anything NOW. If they try this do not use them. You should check with the Better Business Bureau before using any contractor for a job that is going to cost you over $1000. Remember you are the one paying and therefore you are the boss.

by: Tom Corliss

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