How To find qualified contractors.

No home is perfect, not even new builds, so a huge step in any homeowner's journey is to find qualified contractors. Some problems will be easy fixes, and may even allow you to "DIY" it. Others, however, will take a certain level of skill and knowledge to safely complete. Whatever the case, it is essential to know how to find the best person for the job (whether that's you or a hired professional). So here are some of our tips for finding qualified professionals.

• Don't overestimate your abilities! 
  
  • Before committing to tearing down an entire wall or rewiring your kitchen, make sure you know the full scope of the problem that needs to be addressed. While some tasks may seem simple on paper, they can be much more complex in reality. Make sure you thoroughly research what you are undertaking before you get in over your head and end up causing more damage (and costing more money!).
    
• Don't go with the first person you find!
  
  • It will never hurt to get a second opinion, even if the first person you speak to seems more than capable. Allow yourself to explore all your options by speaking with AT LEAST three different people. In the end, even if you circle back to the first option, you will have greater peace of mind knowing that you became more educated on the entire process. 
    
• Look at reviews and pictures of the contractor's previous work.
  
  • A contractor can sell you on their services by making lots of grand promises that they can't keep. The best way to avoid a situation where you are unsatisfied with a job or an underlying issue is not resolved is to look at their track record. Yelp, Facebook, Angie's List, and the BBB are great tools to research different contractors. Be sure to not only read about their professionalism and skill but also look at pictures of jobs they have worked on similar to your own.
    
• Don't be deterred by the price!
  
  • While high prices do not always equate to high-quality work, some of the better contractors will charge more for their services. Do ample research (point #3) to ensure you are not overpaying, but allow your budget to be flexible when you find the right person. Remember that the goal of repairs is longevity, and going with a better option up-front can save you a lot of money down the line.
    
• Talk to your inspector!
  
  • With more than 25 years in the business, Lloyd Allen of Allen Professional Services has seen just about any problem you can think of. He has also worked with many different contractors, plumbers, and electricians. Therefore, if you are ever in need of a reliable suggestion, especially for a problem revealed in our comprehensive Home Inspection Reports, reach out to us. We'd be happy to pass along a few names.