Ten Tips for Hiring a Contractor

With spring approaching, many people are planning to hire a contractor for home repair and/or exterior landscaping. Common mistakes people make are paying in cash, hiring traveling pavers that can’t be reached later, not verifying licensing or bonding, or insisting on start and end dates to ensure prompt completion of work. Here are ten tips to make it a positive experience.

1. Cost Comparisons. Get at least three bids in writing and be sure you compare the bids based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.

2. Licensing. Check to see if the company you plan to hire has proper licensing. No state license is required for general contracting but licensing may be required on a city or county level.

Vanderburgh County Building Commission Contractor Licenses, 436-7880

Vanderburgh County Tree Service and Arborist Licenses, 475-1426

Indiana State Chemist, Purdue University: Licensing for Exterminators

3. Insurance. Verify that the company has liability insurance to protect you against damage.

4. References. Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and check them out before you sign a contract. Use extra caution with those who are going door-to-door in your neighborhood, or are putting flyers in mailboxes and claiming to be doing work with your neighbors.

5. Written Contract. Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, and warranty information. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.

6. Deposit Required and Payment. Do not pay large payments up front. Stagger your payments according to work stages and do not make a final payment until the job is completed. Do not pay in cash; pay by credit card if possible, or by check.

7. Building Permits. Obtain applicable building permits for the work to be done. Unpermitted work can void insurance coverage and violate local Zoning and Building Codes. Contact your local city and county building department for more information.

8. Bonding. Be sure all workers are bonded to protect you against theft and damage.

9. Criminal History. Check out anyone you allow onto your property to see if they have a criminal history.

Vanderburgh and Warrick County Active Criminal Warrants

Indiana Criminal Background Check

Indiana Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Kentucky Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search, 888-446-9103 or 217-558-2200

Illinois Parolee Sex Offender Registrant Search: 877-776-0755