Red Flags to Look for and Avoid When Picking a Contractor

Red Flags to Look for and Avoid When Picking a Contractor

December 15, 2019

When you’re a homeowner, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is which general contractor you pick for projects. Reliable general contractors in Traverse City, MI can be tough to find, which is why it’s crucial to take the search seriously. A skilled general contractor will make remodeling or repair easier (and often less expensive).

Of course, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a good contractor. Fortunately, certain signals can tell you if you’re on the right track.

Look for clear-cut communication

The first place to begin is with your contractor’s approach to communication. Since you’ll be talking to this person for several days (at a minimum), it’s critical to find someone who will speak to you clearly, put forth the project timeline in no uncertain terms and remain transparent on budget issues and the scope of work.

You shouldn’t have to work overtime to get in touch with your contractor, and you shouldn’t be left in the dark while you’re waiting for your project to get completed.

Don’t choose a chain or a traveler

You might think that picking a large remodeling company is the best choice for your home, but you’d be surprised. Big contractors can be surprisingly difficult to contact, they tend to be beholden to one brand and they could end up hitting you with several hidden charges.

Traveling contractors are notorious in the roofing industry for chasing storms and offering repairs for only the cost of the insurance payout. Getting repairs for free might sound fantastic, until that traveling roofer takes his show on the road after doing shoddy work or—in some cases—no work at all.

Instead, choose reliable general contractors in Traverse City, MI who will pick up the phone when you call, and who will be in town and available to assist you for years to come.

Check for references

Before you commit to one contractor, be sure to ask for references. Any general contractor worth their salt should be able to provide a handful of positive references on request. No one is more truthful about work quality than a customer whose project has been completed, so it’s a good idea to do some research and get the inside scoop from former clients.

Don’t pick a rookie

Finally, it’s essential to choose a contractor with years of verified on-the-job experience. General contracting is a skill that develops over time, so a contractor who’s been on the job 10 years has a huge assortment of knowledge they can call on that’s not available to a newcomer. What’s more, the longer a contractor has been in business, the more their experience a testament to their talent.

Call on Qualified Roofing

For more than 25 years, the team at Qualified Roofing has stood proudly among reliable general contractors in Traverse City, MI. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services to clients throughout the area. Call on us when you need deck installation, complete roof work, framing, home additions, ice dam removal, sheet metal work and more.

We understand how tough it can be to get cleaning and roof maintenance in April and May. That’s why we’re offering a 5 to 7 percent discount to those who are willing to be flexible with their schedule. Find out how Qualified Roofing can help you. Contact us today!

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