Tips for hiring a contractor

Not every home improvement job is one that can be safely undertaken by the DIY handy person. Some are too complex or large to be tackled by the homeowner, and some, like any work on drains, cannot legally be done except by the relevant council. It is important, then, that when a contractor is required to complete a job the correct business is chosen, and that you establish a positive working relationship with them from the beginning.

Finding a contractor

Word of mouth can be the best way of finding a reliable contractor. Simply ask around - who else has used a plumber, carpenter, or electrician in your area? Friends, family and workmates can be the best source of information, as they will have had experience not only of the quality of the contractor's work, but on their reliability, safety, and compliance with standards.

The Yellow Pages and the internet are an excellent source of contractors, but a second choice to recommendations. There are also services, easy to find on the internet, which link up customers with contractors and these can be an excellent option as their reputation depends on providing reliable, appropriately registered contractors.

Matching a contractor to the job

Before even looking for a contractor, you need to plan out the job, and be really clear about exactly what you want done and what your budget is. This will ensure that you don't get swayed into a deal which doesn't suit you.

Other tips to help you find the right contractor for your job include:

• Only hire a contractor who regularly does the sort of work you need done, not someone who will 'branch out', as the latter will not have the experience you need
• Get a few quotes, for comparison
• Chat to the contractors you are considering, and only hire someone who you feel comfortable dealing with. Open communication is vital in dealing with a contractor
• Check whether the work will be subcontracted, in which case you may end up dealing with an entirely different business, and also how long it will be before your project can be started, and completed
• Make a contract that you are comfortable with
• Never hire anyone who shows up at your door selling their services, or who suggests their own contacts for finance
• Feel free to regularly check on the status, progress and quality of your job

One final tip: As well as choosing your contractors carefully, keep an eye on the job along the way; following the job closely at all stages is the best way to guarantee the right end result.