Submitted By: Jessica Jensen
Whether you are dealing with storm damage or planning a house project, choosing the right contractor for your job is critical. Here are some tips based on my own experience and the experience of my clients over the years:
1. Get as clear as you can about the work you want done. Are you looking for someone to completely re-do your kitchen or just replace your cabinetry? Do you prefer those downed tree branches to be cut up and taken away or chipped on site for use in
your garden? Do you want to do some of the work yourself? The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it will be to communicate with potential contractors. Even being clear that you don’t know what you want and you are looking at options will help tremendously.
2. Start with word-of-mouth referrals. In a small community like ours, we want to do business with people we know and trust. Ask those you trust and respect who they have had a good experience working with on their projects. Ask other trades people or professionals with whom you have had a positive experience if they have any referrals. For example, your plumber probably knows several building contractors and your friend who owns a lawn care service very likely knows some tree removal experts. Ideally, you are looking for 3 names.
3. If you still need names of building contractors (electricians, plumbers, remodelers, house construction and related trades), you can get three names from Olympia Master Builders, or 754-0912. Five Star Contractor Referral Services, and Olympia/South Sound chapter of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild. Or ask for referrals from your favorite building supply stores. Trade organizations for the type of contractor you want are also a great way to find some names. And don’t overlook old-fashioned sources. I found my tree expert’s name on the bulletin board of my landscape store and my gutter guy by calling everyone listed under Gutters in the phonebook.
4. Once you have your names, do your own research first before calling any of them. Check out the business web site to see if the business sounds like someone you want to work with. Not every business has a web site. That doesn’t mean they aren’t competent.
5. Construction contractors in Washington State are required to have a license, insurance and bond. You can find out whether a contractor meets these requirements by going to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Trades & Licensing page. Click on Contractors and then Hiring a Contractor to get to the Contractor LookUp page. You can download articles on hiring a contractor and find tips on what to look for. Who falls under the definition of “contractor” is quite broad – essentially anyone who adds to or subtracts from your house, yard or outbuildings. So the person who installs new carpet, tears down and hauls away that old shed in your back yard or plants new trees and shrubbery is a contractor and must be licensed, bonded and insured. But cleaning services like gutter cleaning and window washing are not required to be licensed. The license, insurance and bond requirements are there to protect consumers. Don’t even consider someone who isn’t licensed.
6. It’s all about the relationship. Screen contractors for honesty and integrity. A reputable contractor cares about quality, his customers and his reputation. Avoid a contractor who suggests ways to cut corners or avoid getting a required permit. How the contractor treats others or “the system” is how you will be treated. Ask for references and check them. Good two-way communication is also key. Be sure you are heard, but listen to your contractor’s advice with an open mind. Although your contractor is the expert, you are the ultimate decision-maker, not your contractor.
7. Review the contract carefully. Small jobs will have a simple contract. And a hand shake is still good for many types of services – provided both parties are absolutely clear what is to be done and the cost. I like to see work costing $500 to $1,000 or more in writing. Expect more complex work to have a more complex contract. A poorly-written contract or one that does not clearly detail the work or the price is a red flag. If it’s not in writing, it’s not binding. Don’t be alarmed if your contractor asks you to sign a lien notice. This is a only a notice that the contractor has the right to file a lien if you don’t pay his bill. The contractor can’t lien your house unless you don’t pay. Including a retainer provision in the contract allows you to ensure all work is done before the final payment is made. A reputable contractor will have no problem with this. Also look for a dispute resolution provision that enables you and the contractor to resolve disputes without going to court. For larger projects or if you don’t understand the contract or have questions, review the contract with an attorney.
Jessica Jensen is the principal of Jessica Jensen Law in Olympia, jessicajensenlaw.com or 360-705-1335. Her holistic, general practice firm includes business, real estate, land use, wills, trusts and estates, consumer protection, personal injury and family law.
