3 Tips for Engaging a Home Services Contractor

OAKLAND — When engaging a contractor for a home project, your initial outreach can have a big influence on the outcome. The following tips can increase your likelihood of getting a response, as well as your chances of working with a quality contractor.

1. Leave a detailed message
When reaching out to a contractor for an estimate, whether you’re communicating via phone or email, be sure to leave a detailed message. This will improve your chances of receiving a return call or email. Include the following information:

• Your name and phone number
• The location of your property, along with the type of property (house, condo, etc.)
• A concise description of the service or project you need assistance with
• Pictures of the work site (if emailing)

Contractors receive a lot of requests for estimates, so it’s only natural that detailed messages are more likely to receive a response. It saves the contractor a lot of time to get those details up front and allows them to respond more efficiently. For example, they can tell you directly if they service your area or provide the service you’re looking for.

2. Research cost beforehand
Prior to contacting a contractor for an estimate, take some time to research the costs associated with your project. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to watch HGTV and decide they want to remodel their bathroom or kitchen without having any idea of the actual costs involved. This often results in “sticker shock” when the contractor gives them a ballpark estimate. Additionally, costs can fluctuate significantly depending on the specifics of the job. So, whether you choose to go online or visit your local home improvement store, do some research ahead of time to determine if you’re ready to pursue the project.

3. Don’t expect freebies
When speaking with a contractor, a lot of homeowners make the mistake of leading with the question, “Do you provide free estimates?” This is far from the first question you should ask. To a licensed professional, it signals that you’re only price shopping and probably don’t have the budget to pay for the work.

Here’s another way to look at it: Would you ask an attorney or a doctor for a free consultation?  No, because you know they’re a licensed professional and you’re paying for their expertise. It’s the same with a licensed contractor or handyman. If they happen to offer free estimates, they’ll let you know—otherwise, assume there will be a fee for their time.