A Few Dos and Don'ts When Hiring an Independent Contractor

Hiring an independent contractor, no matter the home project, can be daunting. Over decades, homeowners in areas like Paso Robles, Ca. and Monrovia Ca. have grown wary of contractors and their integrity. Saber is dedicated to redefining the industry in the foundation repair field; providing exceptional customer service, financing options, and exceptional products and services. Whether you're in the market for a foundation repair contractor or looking for help remodeling your bathroom, below are a few dos and don'ts you should consider before hiring the best contractor for your project.

DO   Research your project or problem and learn of the possible solutions. This can be accomplished through trade magazines, industry organization websites, and other media.

DON'T Think you know everything about your project or problem just because you did a few days of research. Also, don't believe that the process is going to unfold the way it does on television. Every project or repair is different and may have hidden complications which any reputable contractor will want to fix at the source. A task allotted a day may take more time if there is underlying dry rot, decay, or mold, for example. The best contractor would want to fix the root of the problem, rather than offer a patch as a solution in order to save time. He or she will inform you of any unexpected snags and discuss solutions and additional costs.

DO get competitive bids from multiple companies in your area. Be aware that you shouldn't necessarily take the lowest bid. Take into account the process of each contractor's inspection, quote determination, and their customer reviews. A contractor's inspection of the problem and solution may be the cheapest, but not the correct solution. Saber prides itself in offering thorough inspections, answering any questions honestly, and providing a permanent solution to every homeowner's problem.

DON'T Take the lowest bid. A contractor may give you a low bid, then surprise you with 'hidden costs' once the site of the job is torn up with no choice but to move forward. The contractor's inspection of the problem and solution may be the cheapest, but not the correct, long-term solution.

DO Insist upon and understand your project's contract. Be sure the scope of services and process is detailed in the contract as well as the prices for items like removal and disposal of materials. If you have any questions, don't be scared to ask for clarification before the work begins.

DON'T ignore stated times the contractor and crew will be at your home to do work. There's nothing worse than having a crew show up at a home that is locked and vacant. This upsets the timeline for the project and doesn't allow for either the customer or the contractor to keep each other informed on work progress. The homeowner should be available to communication throughout the duration of the job and the home should be available to the crew during the previously scheduled work times on the contract.

Call Saber for a free foundation inspection if you feel you are witnessing the symptoms of foundation settlement. We also handle concrete and crawl space issues, too! Move forward with your home project with peace of mind that it's on a secure foundation! 1-800-922-2488