The cost of a project is one of the biggest reasons homeowners take projects and repairs into their own hands versus hiring out the work. This tactic can often backfire and lead to more out-of-pocket expenses in the long run. Getting uncertified work done to your home, whether by your own hands or through the cheap labor of a neighborhood handyman, often results in creating additional work by a professional to fix faulty workmanship. Hiring a professional from the start is a wise choice and doing so through SOS’s Contractor Referral Network can result in significant savings.
The experience a certified contractor carries is valuable. Unless you have previous experience in the industry, it is almost a sure bet that the contractor knows more about the job at hand and how to go about it in the most efficient manner. Why? Because they’ve probably done it before for other clients. Paying someone to do the job right the first time, especially when they’re experts in their line of work, eliminates faulty work and incurring additional unnecessary costs.
Beware as a homeowner who wants to do the work yourself (or direct other subcontractors) as you may not know the right order in which work needs to be completed and the sub-contractor you hire will only focus on the job you've hired them to do. For instance -- framing, electrical, wall insulation, and installation of light fixtures or ceiling fans should be done before drywall is installed or there are additional costs incurred for furniture removal or masking, drywall, texture and paint if the light fixtures are budgeted for and installed at a later date. Rely on the expertise of reputable, licensed general contractors to save you money in the long run.
A certified contractor also comes with their own set of guarantees, unlike you doing your own fixer-upper task. If the work they conduct is for some reason unsatisfactory, they are obligated to fix it. This will greatly influence your overall satisfaction with the repair process and final product as well as your peace of mind. Beware: Uncertified contractors may not be held to the same high standards as a general contractor. Unfortunately, there are few resources available to a homeowner to recoup any financial loss for poor workmanship or a job abandoned and unfinished! You can notify a bad contractor with a breach of contract if a job goes wrong.
Hiring a contractor means hiring a well-versed professional with industry contacts. If you are going to go to a local home-repair store to purchase materials, it is likely you’ll pay more than what a licensed contractor who purchases materials regularly and on a large scale can buy the same materials for (think of the savings Costco, AAA and Contractors Warehouse gives members who frequent their store). A contractor will have more knowledge on the types of materials that best suit the job with access to better price points upon purchasing.
If time is a factor in finishing a project, doing the work yourself can also take more time than a professional contractor who has multiple experienced workers available to complete the repairs. In the case of fire damage or water damage, it is best to address the repairs quickly and efficiently and to utilize a reputable company that is certified in proper removal or cleaning of materials affected by water, fire, asbestos, lead, bacteria or mold. In the case of a long-term project like a remodel, it is best to hire a crew who can work on a strict deadline. In both cases, a certified contractor can do the job in a shorter and more efficient timeline than you’re likely capable of doing.
For referrals of reliable and certified contractors, contact Specialized Outsource Solutions for a network of professionals for all types of home repair jobs. Call us 24/7 at 1.888.589.1868 or fill out an online form from to request referral services.
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