It’s about more than just finding the lowest price when it comes to choosing the right contractor. Good communication will soon prove to be an important part of your working relationship, not to mention your trust in their abilities as a tradesman, particularly if it’s a large project.
1. Ask for references
At Optilink we encourage potential clients to talk to our previous customers about their satisfaction.
2. Get two or three specific written bids
Different contractors will vary widely on both the price level and the level of detail they’ll provide. Make sure you’re comparing apples with apples by giving each contractor the same details and requirements.
3. Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid
It’s true – you get what you pay far. Many complaints filed against contractors are the result of cheapest price acceptances. Consider the materials, workmanship and reliability as something that may come at a price.
4. Make sure your contractor is properly licensed
See our Licenses and Memberships above for a full and up to date listing of Optilink credentials.
5. Make sure your contractor is properly insured
See our OHS page for details regarding Workers Comp and Public Liability Insurances including Certificates of Currency. Additionally ask you contractor for Safe Work Method Statements and Instructions on the tasks they are going to perform, his makes for a safe and clean work environment.
6. Most importantly…Do you trust this person to work on your home?
Go with your gut feeling. Do you trust this person inside your home or workplace? Around your children? Can you communicate well with this person about the project? Are they ‘in tune’ to your needs?
