If you need local contractors for home repairs, the best way to find someone is through referrals from family or friends. If that’s not possible, you can also use a service that specializes in contractor reviews such as HomeAdvisor or Angi (formerly Angie’s List). These websites provide customers with information on providers including pricing, services offered, and customer reviews.
When you are looking at a contractor’s online reviews, it is important to read both the positive and the negative ones. It will give you a balanced view of the contractor’s abilities. Also, look at how the contractor rates themselves, and be sure you understand the rating system used by each website.
Be sure to check the contractor’s licensing information and whether they are a member of any professional associations. In addition, make sure that you get a written estimate for the work to be performed. It is often surprising how much a difference there can be between one contractor’s price and another’s.
It’s a good idea to have any work done on your home supervised by a licensed general contractor. This person assumes responsibility for all aspects of construction, including budgets, schedules, quality control, and the selection of subcontractors.
Be sure to verify any claims made by the contractor about energy savings, increased security, or home value. And always ask for a written contract before any work is started, and don’t sign it until all blank spaces have been filled in.