What Makes a Good Contractor?

Finding a good Contractor for your next project can seem like a daunting task. It's time consuming, confusing, and if done incorrectly can be costly! The last thing anyone wants is to fork over thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to an outfit to remodel a bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen only to realize later that they picked the wrong company for the job and be let with an incomplete or subpar product!

Not that it's fair or that anyone will want to hear it but here goes: choosing a good contractor is on YOU. It's your money, and you need to make sure that the person you choose to work with is qualified, motivated, and is ready to provide you the value that you seek in return for your hard-earned dollars.

But what makes a "good contractor"? How do you spot them in a sea of construction companies, all vying for your business? Here are a few ways to spot a good contractor while on your search:

A good contractor doesn't use industry lingo or talk over your head.

My father is a master carpenter. He can explain carpentry in three and four letter words so that it makes sense to literally anyone. The first thing learned from him was that you talk to other carpenters in numbers (because that's how we communicate), but you explain building concepts in basic, spatial terms so that people who don't build can see a picture in their heads that they can understand without having to physically build it. This is also true in the world of contracting. Communication is key, and any contractor worth his salt will explain in very precise detail every phase of your project from budgeting to permitting to materials acquisition, construction, inspection, and final touch ups in a way that makes sense, and leaves you feeling like you have a solid grasp on the entire process. A contractor that thinks that you don't need all the details, or that they're doing things that are too complicated for you to understand is not someone you should work with or give money to. PERIOD.

A good contractor has the proper credentials.

This seems like a no brainer. But you'd be surprised at how many contractors are out there who don't hold proper licenses or insurance. A practice common in today's market is for a person running a contracting business to not have a contracting license, but to instead pay an actual contractor a fee for pulling permits for them, and for qualifying their business through the state of Florida. This process is called "qualifying a business". In this scenario, the business is tied to a license holder, but the person selling their services to you is not legally license by the state. Whoever is claiming to be the contractor should be able to furnish his license and credentials to you promptly and with no questions asked. They should be eager to discuss and qualify their credentials to you. They should be able and willing to provide you a relevant set of work history and references which demonstrate their expertise doing the type of work you are hiring them for. This may all seem like common sense stuff, but it's the little things that make a big difference when selecting a contractor.

A good contractor demonstrates sound money management.

A good rule of thumb is this: Run far away from any contractor who asks for more than one third of the value of your project up front. I've heard horror stories of customers paying $2000.00 down for a small $4000.00 bathroom remodel for "materials" only to never see their contractor again. Materials This is gross. This is gross. Now, this isn't to say that materials on a small remodel can't represent 50% of the cost of the project. But a good contractor would never demand a 50% deposit, especially on such a small project. When a contractor asks for half of his money before any materials or labor has been furnished he's making a statement. Either: a) He cannot afford to fund a $4000.00 project. This is bad. He may be a great tradesman, but this isn't someone that you should trust financially. Or: b) There is no trust between your contractor and you. Both situations are bad, and both are avoidable. If your contractor wants to be paid before he does anything, you should seriously consider moving (RUNNING!) in the other direction.

A good contractor has a detailed and reasonable timeline to completion.

This one is HUGE. There's nothing like plastic going up in your kitchen in February, and then eating McDonald's for Thanksgiving dinner because your kitchen still isn't open. I've heard horror stories (and personally witnessed) of people selecting a contractor to do an addition on their home, and then calling me to help finish it up 12 or even 18 months later. Your contractor should never use the words "about" or "around" when talking to you about your project's completion timeline. "it'll take about 2 weeks" is a phrase that should send shivers up your spine. Especially if that is followed up by "We charge a 50% down payment". RUUUUUUUUUUUUN! To avoid confusion and heartache bring up the issue of timeline early, preferably at your initial consult.

A good contractor does not charge for consultations.

Contractors who are interested in doing your job do not charge for estimates. Charging for estimates means that he is interested in making money doing estimates, not work. Do not pay a contractor to give you an estimate. Speaking of estimates... A good contractor gives you a DETAILED estimate. There's nothing quite like a text message from your contractor on a Sunday night that says "$20,000.00" in reference to your patio addition. Optics isn't everything, but there is a "there" there. A good contractor provides detailed, easy to read estimates in a timely manner on company letterhead. This demonstrates time management, dedication, and professionalism; all things that you're looking for in your contractor.

A good contractor is a salesman, but doesn't feel like one.

Look, we all suffer from paralysis by analysis sometimes. I meet with hundreds of clients per year, and the times that I have seen renovations or additions go undone because someone doesn't pull the trigger on a good, sound project with a strong plan and ROI potential are too numerous to count. The truth is a good contractor will sell himself through professional practices (see above) and will also, through a thorough and thoughtful consultation, help you put together a vision that will meet you and your family's needs. He will filter your vision through the lens of a professional, telling you what does and doesn't work. He will show you areas where your vision may be foggy, and explain in clear and concise fashion exactly the best way to achieve our goals. It's not as much a sales pitch for a car, as a meeting of the minds that should leave you feeling excited about the future instead of scared or anxious. One thing a good contractor will NOT do is try and push you into doing something that you aren't comfortable with. He will be happy with your business whether your project starts today or 6 months from now. Never give your business to someone who you feel is pushy or neglecting your wishes in favor "getting it done now while I have time". Look elsewhere.

So let's put it all together and summarize what makes a good contractor.

A good contractor is licensed, insured, and provides you with all of his credentials upfront. He answers the phone when you call and is willing to meet you for a free consultation. During the consulting process, you and your contractor are able to discuss high and low level details of your project, your vision, and your future plans for incorporating this project into your life. He doesn't use industry lingo that you don't understand, and explains any design concepts that are foggy in an easily digestible way. He is able to give you solid estimation for the timeline for your project, as well as any hurdles you all may encounter and the remedies for them. He also explains his methods for payment which may include a deposit if you wish to move forward, but should not include any money until materials have been delivered or ground has otherwise been broken on your project. Upon completion of your consultation your contractor should provide you with a detailed professional estimate for the work you discussed which should be easy to read and understand. He should be explain to you the cost versus benefits of the proposed work and help you mold your vision, but shouldn't be pushy or forceful to earn your business.

These are by no means all of the things that make a "good contractor", as our industry is infinitely variable and dynamic, but hopefully this information will assist you in identifying good apples during your selection process, and match you up with a contractor who will provide you with value and great memories of the construction experience instead of nightmares! Happy renovating, y'all!