How to Hire a Contractor

If you've got home projects on the agenda that will require hiring a contractor or two, here are a few suggestions from City building and housing staffers on how to make sure you get the right contractor for the job—and get the job done right!

Do’s

Always get a minimum of three estimates from recommended contractors.

  • Ask family, friends and neighbors to recommend contractors, or use a contractor referral service. Expect estimates to come in close to each other if the contractors are bidding on the same project and scope of work and offering a similar quality of work and material. A good estimate should always include a clear scope of the work, no matter how big or small the job. Download this sample estimate (PDF) for more information.

Always check references.

  • Ask about the quality of the work performed and the contractor's work ethics and practices. Whenever possible, see the finished work in person. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a report on any company you're considering hiring; call 216-241-7678. Referrals from residents are compiled on the Sussex List of Contractors. Contact Council member Nancy Moore to request a copy.

Always hire only contractors who agree to register with the City.

  • Check whether a contractor is registered with the City. Don't hire a contractor that is not registered or one not willing to register by paying $30 and showing proof of bonding and insurance. Keep in mind, however, that being registered is not a measure of a contractor's competency or quality of work, but primarily a tax requirement. Contractor registration offers no consumer protection to the homeowner.

Always find out exactly who will be performing the work.

  • Some contractors employ a crew while others, called general contractors, hire subcontractors for each project. If you're considering a general contractor, find out which subcontractors will be used on your job and if they are registered; then check their references.

Always make sure the contractor is insured.

  • A contractor needs to carry three kinds of insurance: Liability, to cover damage to your home or injury to you or anyone at your home; Workers' Compensation, to pay benefits related to injuries suffered by workers on your site; and Vehicle insurance, which protects you from liability if someone is injured while a worker is coming to your house with materials for your job.

Always insist on a written contract, no matter what size the job.

  • A detailed contract signed by both you and the contractor is essential before any work begins. Click for tips on what to cover in the contract.

Always request copies of all permits and inspections related to your project. 

  • Doing so will ensure permit procedures are followed, and you will have important information for your house records.

Choose a contractor who belongs to a trade association.

  • These include the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Associations typically set standards for members and can intervene in disputes.

Go with well-known businesses with at least 10 years’ experience.

Don’ts

  • Never pay in full upfront.
  • If a down payment is required for materials, pay only when the materials arrive on the job site. Putting money in escrow is another protective option. Pay the final installment only at the completion of the job and after the final City inspection, when applicable.
  • Never deal with a company that will provide only a P.O. Box as an address.
  • Never hire a contractor who insists that you obtain the permit on work that he/she will be performing.
  • Only the person who will be performing the work should get the permit, as he or she will be ultimately responsible for meeting the City's code requirements. City ordinance requires that subcontractors performing permit work must be registered regardless of whether the homeowner obtains the permit.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shopping price instead of quality and contractor reliability.
  • Failing to insist on a written contract that details the scope of the project, materials to be used, etc.
  • Paying upfront.

The Heritage Home Program can also assist homeowners by locating reliable home repair contractors.

To identify other local contractors, contact the Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce.