Choosing a Contractor

When to Use a Contractor, or Tackle the Project Yourself
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Deciding to hire a contractor or do a project yourself depends on a long list of considerations. The first centers on your own DIY skills and comfort level in taking on a given task. 

If you can competently do the work yourself then you can typically save a lot of money in exchange for your time.  Using a professional contractor normally comes with less hassle, faster results, safety, and professional-quality work. 

Why Use a Contractor?

When determining whether to do a project yourself or hire it out here are a few reasons for choosing a professional to do the difficult jobs.

• It’s Dangerous. If the job involves electricity, using power tools, or climbing tall ladders or up on the roof of your home, it could lead to significant injury if an accident or mistakes are made.Jobs requiring technical know-how are ones you’ll want done by a contractor for safety reasons.

• Mistakes Could Be Costly. Even when there are no safety issues involved, paying extra for a professional is often a good decision. Not doing the job properly initially can lead to having to call in a professional later to correct your mistakes.  This can lead to paying for the same job twice.

• It Could Hurt Your Home’s Value. Work in a home that does not look well done can turn off future buyers and detract from the value of your home.  Home buyers are not looking for homes where they have to come in and redo slipshod work.

• It Requires a Permit.  One indication that a job is probably too complicated for a DIY project is that it requires a building permit.  Permits typically call for inspections that determine if the work was done safely and correctly.

All these advantages explain why so many homeowners ultimately decide to hire a professional, despite the higher cost.

How to Choose a Contractor                    

Finding the right contractor for your home improvement project takes a little effort and diligence.

• Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations, and get quotes from at least three contractors, asking not only about their fees but also about their experience with this type of work.
• Do a little homework on all the contractors, checking their ratings with the Better Business Bureau and making sure their licenses and insurance are up-to-date.
• Review the checklist found at Selecting the Right Contractor and then make an informed choice, balancing the contractors’ quoted prices against the quality of the work you can expect from them.

Artisan Electric is Happy to Help

If your home improvement project involves electrical work, Artisan Electric would be happy to speak with you.  We can also help you assess your total project and provide suggestions on how to get started.