Ask for references: It's never too early to ask around. When asking for references, always ask people who were the actual clients of the contractor. Ask about the work that was done, the overall experience, and the overall cost. It's also a good idea to speak with other homeowners in the area to see if they were satisfied with the contractor that they hired.
Ask for a breakdown of costs: A breakdown of costs is a very important feature when hiring a home repair contractor. In Indiana, all contractors must submit financial statements to the state Board of License within 30 days of beginning work. This statement is easily accessible online. Take advantage of this opportunity to find out exactly what you will be paying for. If your contractor does not provide you with a breakdown, then you should strongly consider looking elsewhere.
Check credentials: Asking a contractor to show you their insurance documentation for home improvement or plumbing is a sign of a reputable contractor. Most reputable companies will provide an insurance certificate for their work. Additionally, you should check to see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor with the Better Business Bureau. Any company that has received a complaint should be easy to reach because most states require that companies provide phone numbers.
Interview several home repair experts: An Indianapolis home repair expert should be willing to sit down with you and go over their service history and education. Specifically, ask for examples of jobs they have done in the past and the amount of time they have been working on similar projects. Most importantly, ask them to tell you about a particular problem they have encountered and how they solved it. In addition, be sure to ask about their professional affiliations. Has this contractor worked for your city or county department? Are they licensed to do the home repair in your area?
Verify references: Contact at least three different home repair specialists to discuss your project. Make notes on each conversation. At the end of your consultations, review each specialist's telephone numbers and schedule a face-to-face interview. Know exactly what you are dealing with and inquire as to their experience, education, and qualifications. Also, ask them to provide you with a list of references.
Hire a licensed home inspector: Home inspectors are the best professionals for identifying problems with your home's foundation, plumbing system, or electrical wiring. Be sure to request a report detailing their findings. After the home inspector finishes, ask him to offer you his opinion on your repairs. A home inspector can give you good advice but be sure to listen carefully.
Hire a general contractor: If you are looking for inexpensive labor, home repair Indianapolis workers may be just the thing for you. Many contractors in the Indianapolis area offer a free initial consultation. This will often lead to an on-site repair project. Although the initial cost is likely to be more than doing it yourself, chances are that the results will be worth the investment.
