Personality Does Matter When Hiring A Contractor

A good contractor knows the work at hand and can handle all of the small details necessary to get it done. But that's not all it takes to make a good contractor a great one.

In addition to project knowledge or expertise in a specialized field if that's the contractor that's needed, it's also important that a contractor hired is one the employer can communicate with easily. This is especially so for those who are undertaking large jobs such as building a new home or remodeling or adding on to an old one.

If you're uncomfortable asking a contractor questions or you get a bad feeling or simply don't like the person, that's not the contractor to hire. To help you ferret out the best contractors to mesh with your personality, here are some questions to ask.

These especially apply to long-term jobs such as home construction or additions:

• Will you supervise the job directly?
• Is there a number I can contact you with questions?
• How often can I tour the jobsite to see progress?
• Do you personally supervise the selection of subcontractors?
• If you won't be on the job yourself, who is the superintendent that will oversee the work?
• Can I meet this person?

If the contractor answers frankly and takes the time to explain the process and you feel good about the answers, you've found a keeper.

And while personalities are important, particularly in long projects, so too is expertise. To ensure you have the best contractor for your money, be certain to ask job specific questions, too. Also, be certain to be very clear about your desires for the project. If the contractor doesn't get a crystal clear picture of the job's scope, you only have yourself to blame.

But remember, checking out the contractor is vitally important. For example, check into the contractor's licensing, work history, insurance, past recommendations and so on. If things don't check out, another contractor might be worth looking for.

Don't be discouraged if it takes you several interviews to find the right contractor for your job. If you're making a big investment, the work on the front end will pay off on the back as questions and concerns are addressed in a professional and timely manner. If this isn't the kind of service you expect to receive, you haven't found the right company to deal with.