<p> For everyone who owns a piece of real estate, it’s absolutely expected they’ll occasionally make some investments for upgrades or just to keep things polished. And, for everyone who is not skilled enough to get their hands dirty and do the housework themselves, it’s reasonable they’ll be hiring a contractor. Well, I was (or better - AM) one of those guys who needs help in the housework department (I suck, I know). What can I say – years behind the desk didn’t really go hand in hand with manual labor. </p>
<p>Luckily for everyone, you can now find people skilled to do virtually anything and do it right. Obviously, given how flawed us humans are – you’ll also run the risk of hiring someone who has no idea what they are doing or even if they do – they’ll go out of their way to cheat you. Happened to me! Tough luck.</p>
<p>Since I found my experience very disturbing, I’ve decided to write it down for the rest of you who might find yourselves in the same or similar situation, hoping to prevent damage in time. So, to prevent facing a shoddy space, a half-done room (or worse) and a hole in your bank account -  this is what you should do:</p>
<h3>Do thorough research people!</h3>
<p>Don’t make the same mistake I did! Prior to hiring contractors, I did a light browse through the ads I googled and figured “since they are top page, they must be good”. When you do the research and pick a contracting firm that fits your needs, make sure you check up their references, see their previous work and maybe even find the customers they worked with – just to see how satisfied they were with the work. Don’t be fooled with false <a href="https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/websearch/pA2iU2EnFXo" rel="noopener">advertising</a>, please. </p>
<h3>Go by recommendation</h3>
<p>The best option ever is to ask your friends and family if they know a good contracting firm. For some reason, I totally failed to do that and, instead of actually going for an amazing agency a few of my friends used, I went for some random company that not only thinned my wallet but left my house undone. Well, WERE CLOSE to leave it undone; I reacted in time, phew. </p>
<p>Good recommendation is everything, so don’t be afraid to ask around. </p>
<h3>Negotiate up front</h3>
<p>Rates should be negotiable, especially if you have a contractor doing multiple jobs in your home. Make sure you agree to an amount - in writing - before work begins and NEVER pay everything up front. Allow yourself the maximum of 33 percent of the total cost up front and that’s that. I had the worst luck with the contractors I hired BUT, the only thing I can say I was smart about in this whole experience was that <a href="http://www.jwsuretybonds.com/info/videos/general/what-are-surety-bonds.htm" rel="noopener">I had a surety bond</a> insurance which saved me from totally failing (budget-wise), so I’d recommend getting it yourself!</p>
<h3>Demand respect for your time </h3>
<p>Contractors have a reputation for a lack of promptness and they often prolong the work way beyond the agreed and scheduled time. Sure, a week here and there is understandable for unpredictable repairs and fixes, but over a few months?! Oh, come on! This could end up costing you more than time, and that’s not what you want. </p>
<p>When you hire your party, talk to them about rules and discipline. You don’t have to be rude about it, obviously – but make them understand you won’t tolerate their lack of respect for your time. Don’t be like me – I was all “Oh, that’s okay… so what if they are three hours late…”. I honestly don’t know how my wife didn’t kill me in my sleep...</p>
<p> Guys, I hope this will help someone. Be careful about who you hire and make sure you think all things through. Good luck! <br />
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