So, where does that leave me when a project came knocking that I didn't feel that I should tackle on my own? Hire a professional. We chose to use Homeadvisor.com to find the help we needed. It is such an easy to use tool. Just click into the categories you are needing help with and it will give you lots of choices. I really believe that hiring a skilled laborer is a smart financial decision, and one you will not regret if you hire using these 3 tips!
TIP #1: Make sure they are licensed in your state and under the skill you have hired them to do.
Here is a little screen shot of our electrician's licensing, what it is for, and when it expires. This is SO important for the protection of you as well as the safety of your home. I have also learned that many skilled laborers will "guarantee" their work for a certain amount of time. For example, we had a terrible clog in our tub ever since we moved in. But it was getting steadily worse. I tried everything I could find to get it out myself, but we eventually called a plumber to get us out of standing in our bath water...while we were showering. It was NOT fun. Or hygienic. Or fun.... So he came out and worked his magic and then he guaranteed that work for up to 5 years. Obviously, I don't think we'll ever get it clogged that bad again since it must have been clogged when we bought the house (thank you sellers.....) But I don't know, postpartum hair loss can be a bad word, so who knows? It is a great feeling though to know that if something were to happen, I can call, and they will honor their guarantee.
TIP #2: Do you have a good vibe about this person in your house and can you see having a professional relationship with this person?
So maybe this is EXACTLY a super professional tip, but it is something I try to live by in all my relationships and its' never done me wrong yet. This one is especially important to me when hiring a contractor for your home because...they will be in your home...where you live...with your kids. You get me? I need to feel good about allowing someone into my home to be around my kids. Now I know, it's not like they are moving in and will be a major influence on my children for the next 18 years or anything, but still.... This is also a good idea because you need to understand what you are paying for and what is going on. As a first time home owner, I especially appreciate all the extra knowledge I can pick up on along the way. Another amazing shout out to our plumber, Chris!! When he came, I literally stood over his shoulder the entire time. And he explained every single thing he did and I learned a TON! I had some questions about other areas in my house and he stayed for another hour and talked to me about every question, every wonder, every renovation idea that I had. He gave some great advise. Told me what would be cheaper to get hubby to fix as opposed to calling him and what parts I would need for those projects. Talked to me about our upcoming kitchen renovation and a brilliant idea about adding a garbage disposal I CANNOT wait to share during the kitchen demo. And all because we have a great working relationship.
TIP #3: Get bids on the job you are looking for.
Most companies offer bids as a free service. You call and schedule a time for someone to come out to your home and physically look at the job you want done. Then you explain what you are looking for. This is the comical part. My project explanations are laughable and usually go something like "I don't want this, but I do want this. And I want to move that here and those there. Oh and I guess I need one of these..." I'm a wreck. And then once they decipher your inability to form sentences, they tell you what they would charge you to do the job. Simple. I usually get at least 3 bids. Within that amount of time, you are able to see if your project is even doable to the way you envision it. I learned this the hard way. I had dreams of wall sconces by my fireplace. And every electrician said they COULD do it, but I probably didn't want to pay that much just for the aesthetic of it. And they were right. You will also get a ballpark of the cost of the project so you can be prepared when the bill comes. And you have a chance to see if that contractor is working relationship material like we established in tip #2. Plus, at least for us, in a total home renovation situation, these are probably professionals we are going to be calling back again, so we want to have good vibes flowing!
Now, every bid will most likely be slightly different based on how that company runs its' charges. Does that mean that you always pick the lowest bid? I wish I could give you a firm yes or no answer, but honestly, there isn't one. For me - it's a mix of tip 2 and tip 3. You shouldn't even call someone who isn't licensed, so I'm going to assume everyone you called has their junk in order. So it really boils down to a price you feel comfortable with as well as someone you feel good about letting work in your home. If that happens to be the lowest bid - woohoo, victory dance. If not, I hope you feel okay paying a little more for personal reassurance.
So, these are my 3 tips for hiring a contractor to tackle some fun projects for your home! Have fun dreaming up new and amazing ideas on how to cultivate a life you love and turning your house into a home.
TIP #1: Make sure they are licensed in your state and under the skill you have hired them to do.
TIP #2: Do you have a good vibe about this person in your house and can you see having a professional relationship with this person?
So maybe this is EXACTLY a super professional tip, but it is something I try to live by in all my relationships and its' never done me wrong yet. This one is especially important to me when hiring a contractor for your home because...they will be in your home...where you live...with your kids. You get me? I need to feel good about allowing someone into my home to be around my kids. Now I know, it's not like they are moving in and will be a major influence on my children for the next 18 years or anything, but still.... This is also a good idea because you need to understand what you are paying for and what is going on. As a first time home owner, I especially appreciate all the extra knowledge I can pick up on along the way. Another amazing shout out to our plumber, Chris!! When he came, I literally stood over his shoulder the entire time. And he explained every single thing he did and I learned a TON! I had some questions about other areas in my house and he stayed for another hour and talked to me about every question, every wonder, every renovation idea that I had. He gave some great advise. Told me what would be cheaper to get hubby to fix as opposed to calling him and what parts I would need for those projects. Talked to me about our upcoming kitchen renovation and a brilliant idea about adding a garbage disposal I CANNOT wait to share during the kitchen demo. And all because we have a great working relationship.
TIP #3: Get bids on the job you are looking for.
Most companies offer bids as a free service. You call and schedule a time for someone to come out to your home and physically look at the job you want done. Then you explain what you are looking for. This is the comical part. My project explanations are laughable and usually go something like "I don't want this, but I do want this. And I want to move that here and those there. Oh and I guess I need one of these..." I'm a wreck. And then once they decipher your inability to form sentences, they tell you what they would charge you to do the job. Simple. I usually get at least 3 bids. Within that amount of time, you are able to see if your project is even doable to the way you envision it. I learned this the hard way. I had dreams of wall sconces by my fireplace. And every electrician said they COULD do it, but I probably didn't want to pay that much just for the aesthetic of it. And they were right. You will also get a ballpark of the cost of the project so you can be prepared when the bill comes. And you have a chance to see if that contractor is working relationship material like we established in tip #2. Plus, at least for us, in a total home renovation situation, these are probably professionals we are going to be calling back again, so we want to have good vibes flowing!
Now, every bid will most likely be slightly different based on how that company runs its' charges. Does that mean that you always pick the lowest bid? I wish I could give you a firm yes or no answer, but honestly, there isn't one. For me - it's a mix of tip 2 and tip 3. You shouldn't even call someone who isn't licensed, so I'm going to assume everyone you called has their junk in order. So it really boils down to a price you feel comfortable with as well as someone you feel good about letting work in your home. If that happens to be the lowest bid - woohoo, victory dance. If not, I hope you feel okay paying a little more for personal reassurance.
So, these are my 3 tips for hiring a contractor to tackle some fun projects for your home! Have fun dreaming up new and amazing ideas on how to cultivate a life you love and turning your house into a home.
