Contractor: Experience Ranks High

How many jobs has your contractor been on? Does he or she have a specific expertise when it comes to your project? Don't let cost be the only factor that you consider when hiring someone to oversee the work. It can be tempting to hire someone that offers a lower price because they are lacking experience. Unfortunately, you may not end up with the results you expected.

Years on the Job:
A contractor should be able to tell you how long he or she has been working in the industry. As with any professional, more time on the job means more opportunities to learn and improve skills. New techniques are acquired and it is reasonable to assume that the work continues to get better with time.

During their time on the job, many professionals make connections and build relationships with other workers and vendors. As a contractor, he or she will know whom to call when it comes time to choose other people to work with them. They learn who supplies quality materials at the best prices. All of this is to your advantage as a home or business owner.

Specific Projects/Jobs:
If you are looking to begin a bathroom remodel, it is beneficial to search for a contractor that has worked on bathroom projects in the past. They will know what it takes to make a change, the steps that need to be taken and the right materials to use. Their knowledge will contribute to the overall results of the project.

In addition to the quality of work, you can be sure that the contractor has picked up a few different ideas along the way. If you have a smaller bathroom that is not well laid out, you can ask the professional to help you plan out your design for the new bathroom. All of the ideas and tips from the past will come in handy and you may be able to benefit from his or her previous work.

References/Examples of Work:
Experienced contractors often create a portfolio to show to potential customers. This could include things like pictures of previous work or letters from happy customers. Take the time to look through the portfolio and ask questions about the work. A person without experience is just asking you to take his or her word that they can deliver quality workmanship. You are planning to invest in your home or office and you want to be sure that the completed work will be up to your standards.

Just because a person has experience, it does not guarantee that the work will be exceptional. However, if you choose a professional with experience, you can be sure that they have worked on similar projects in the past and they know what it takes to complete the work.